






COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 




Rosamund of the 
Snow 


BY 

AGNES THERESA HOLLIDAY 

>\ 



Cochrane Publishing Company 
Tribune Building 
New York 
1911 



Copyright, 1911 , by 
A. T. Holliday 



©CI.A303050 

K P . 1 


To 

Miss Nancy Leishman 
these little stories 
are 

lovingly inscribed 
A. T. H. 







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A 























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/ 




























CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Rosamund of the Snow 7 

The White Sea-Gull 33 

The Quest for the Golden Knight 53 

The Fairy of Dreams 82 

The Skein of White Wool 99 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


When Winter Nature’s treasures coldly seals 
How often wondrous secrets he reveals, 

Which only little children understand. 

When in his icy ink-pot dips his hand, 

And with a firm unwavering finger grains 
God’s cipher on the whitened window panes. 
Gleaming beneath the pole-star’s steadfast light, 

Of distant scenes I caught a fleeting view ; 

The moon-blanched wavelets of some restless sea 
With opalescent rays just glinting through. 

Then far beyond the Heav’n’s deep azure showed 
Where stars’ gold rivets everlasting glowed. 

Where fleecy clouds across the blue did stray 
Like merry lambkins with their dams at play. 

And in the rainbow’s radiant colored strands 
The little cherubs peeping through their hands. 
Below, there stretched green pastures still and wide 
Resting in shadow ’neath the mountain side, 
Where in the chaliced lily-cups repose 
Pale dew-drops sun-plucked from eternal snows. 


ROSAMUND OF THE 
SNOW 


CHAPTER I 

Tap! Tap! Tap! Rosamund awoke and turned over 
in her cosy, soft nest of a bed and listened. No, she was 
not mistaken. Tap ! Tap ! There it was again. Some 
one was undoubtedly tapping the window-pane of her 
little bedroom. 

Rosamund sat up in bed. The night light in the far 
cforner of the room flickered uncertainly and deepened 
the shadows lying farther from it. These shadows lay 
deepest in the space between the bed and the wide red- 
curtained window. 

Rosamund eyed the black space stretching out ; it 
seemed such an interminable way. Had she sufficient 
courage to traverse its darkness, move the heavy 
curtains, peer out into the night and ask who wanted 
her, or see whence the tapping came? Tap! Tap! Once 
more those faint yet imperative sounds. Again the night 
light flickered, causing the shadows to momentarily leap 
into weird and grotesque shapes. Rosamund decided that 
she dare not penetrate the mystery of the great dark; 
instead, she drew the downy blankets closely around her 
and called softly: 

“Who is there ?” expecting yet scarcely daring to hope 
for a reply. 

Immediately in response to her query a thousand voices 


8 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


echoed faint and clear, as if the air outside were filled 
with soft-toned silver bells. 

“Rosamund, Rosamund/' came the flute-like sounds. 
“We want you, Rosamund. Why don't you come?" 

At the sound Rosamund forgot her fears of the shad- 
owy space and the mysteries hidden behind the deep 
recesses of the curtains. Tossing the blankets aside, she 
sprang from her warm nest, and holding back the thick 
plush draperies she gazed from the window to see wh« 
her mysterious yet urgent visitors might be. 

The air outside was thick with innumerable flying 
forms. Tiny fairy creatures floated noiselessly about 
on soft fleecy white wings, crowned with wonderful 
star-shaped coronets. Some fluttered on the window 
ledge, holding each others' hands, and gazed up at Rosa- 
mund with sweet beseeching eyes ; others with arms en- 
twined danced wonderful fairy dances and sang mar- 
velous fairy songs, as if they would so bewitch Rosa- 
mund with their spells that she fain would open the win- 
dow and call them in. 

Beyond in the hazy distance Rosamund could see 
thousands of others hovering around and all gazing in- 
tently at her. 

Enchanted, she opened the casement and leaned out, 
to be immediately surrounded by the elfin beings. They 
caressed her hair and kissed her cheeks and lips and 
eyes, the while they sang a fairy song thanking her for 
coming thus far to meet them. 

“What do you wish with me ?” asked Rosamund, bright 
and rosy from their embraces. 

“O Rosamund, the Snow King wants you so!" the 
wee fairies answered. “He is sore distressed and knows 
not how to obtain relief from the great calamity which 
threatens to overwhelm his domestic peace, and the 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


9 


prosperity of his kingdom. And then we thought of 
you,” they concluded triumphantly, “for have you not 
always believed in the snow-fairies when other blind 
humans have called our fleecy wings and dainty forms 
snow-flakes ?” 

“Ah, yes !” said Rosamund. “I always knew you were 
dear wee beings dancing on fairy wings and singing 
fairy songs, although no one seemed to hear you but 
me. But how can I reach the Snow King’s palace? Does 
he not live very far from here?” 

“Oh, far, far away. Even beyond the Northern Pole 
is the great mountain upon which is reared his marvel- 
ous palace of ice. But fear not, Rosamund, outside is 
the messenger sent by the King to bear you in safety 
to his northern home. Open the window and come out; 
you will then behold him with your eyes, and per- 
chance on the way he will tell you all the King hopes 
from you.” 

Rosamund opened the window wide and stepped out 
on the ledge. The moment she had done so she became 
aware of the presence of a tall, powerful being muffled 
in grey, with his face hidden behind a veil of the same 
impenetrable hue. 

“Art thou read^?” he said, and his voice was as deep 
as the surging of mighty waves against a fortress of 
impregnable rock. 

“Yes,” replied Rosamund, “but,” glancing at her bare 
pink feet and flannel gown, “I feel it cold out here.” 

Then the figure in the grey veil beckoned to the snow 
fairies, whereupon they immediately surrounded Rosa- 
mund and began to dance about her, the while they sang 
their weird and sweet melodies ; and as they danced they 
wove a wonderful garment as fleecy as their own wings 
and soft as the down on a swan’s breast ; nor paused they 


10 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


in their dance until the beautiful robe unfolded Rosa- 
mund from head to foot, leaving only her blue eyes and 
pink nose visible. The grey figure then lifted her in his 
arms and placed her in his gleaming car of solid ice, 
upholstered with cushions of the same exquisite material 
as Rosamund’s dress. 

The car was hung with stalactites of glorious hues, 
which threw an indescribable radiance, more mellow than 
starlight, dispersing the gloom of the night. 

Comfortably ensconcing Rosamund, the grey figure 
entered the car, and tossing his reins of ice over the 
twelve snow-white reindeer, away they flew over hill and 
valley, fast as the breath of the wind, until they came to 
a forest the trees whereof were tall as the sky, reaching 
wide as a mighty sea. 

Then for the first time Rosamund’s companion turned 
to her and said: 

“Behold the forest, and tell me what you think of it.” 
And Rosamund, lifting her eyes to his veiled face, said: 

“I know not what to think, for the trees of this forest 
are unknown to me. They might, from their appearance, 
be formed from the grey vapors of the ocean.” 

“For a child you speak very sensibly,” responded her 
companion. “Know then that this forest reaching so 
high and wide is the boundary of Great Miolner’s — 
the Snow King’s — kingdom. It completely divides it from 
the rest of the world, and none may pass it without my 
permission, for (with an air of pride) I am the keeper 
of the forest, and anyone daring to attempt a passage 
through without my assistance would inevitably perish 
in the grey mists of which it is composed. Hence it is 
that few know of the grand kingdom beyond its pre- 
cincts, guarded so jealously by this mighty wood.” 

Rosamund again gazed in great awe at her mysterious 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


11 


companion, and noted at the same time that his garments 
and impenetrable veil were composed of the same soft, 
intangible vapors as the trees of the forest. 

Noting her regard, he bent slightly towards her and 
in soft, kind accents said: 

“Thou hast naught to fear.” 

His voice gave Rosamund courage, and she whispered 
back : 

“Guide, shall I ever behold thy face?” 

“My face, child,” was the response, “is seen but in the 
mind of those who behold me. To some it is kindly and 
withered as the face of an old man ; to others, gentle and 
majestic even as a King’s; and there are others who hold 
it so terrible that they shrink with nothingness even as 
they gaze. I am sure,” he continued, “that it is in one 
of these aspects that you behold me.” 

Rosamund smiled and nestled closer to her compan- 
ion. Every trace of her previous awe had vanished, and 
she stroked caressingly the sleeve of his grey mantle. 

“Sire, I feel that you are very, very old, therefore do 
I imagine you as an old man, but I feel your kindness is 
great, even as your age, and I see the smile in your eyes 
and on your lips, therefore do I feel trust and happi- 
ness in your presence.” 

The reply seemed to satisfy her guide. 

“Then understand, child,” he said, “that as we pass 
through the vapors of this mighty forest you must close 
your eyes and lean your head on my breast and naught 
of harm can come to you.” 

Quite happily Rosamund did as he bade her, and felt 
him cover her completely with the soft folds of his man- 
tle, whereupon she immediately fell into a deep sleep, 
and therefore saw nothing of the terrors and dangers 
of the great gloomy forest through which her com- 


12 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


panion so cleverly negotiated his beautiful steeds. 

She was awakened by the sudden cessation of their 
rapid motion through the air, and opening her eyes she 
found that her guide had stayed his reindeer and seemed 
apparently gazing on the scenes around him. Then did 
Rosamund clasp her hands and gaze enthralled upon 
the wonders she beheld. Reaching far beyond was a 
mountain carved, as it were, from purest alabaster, and 
towering on its heights in majestic, awe-inspiring gran- 
deur was the palace of the Snow King. With mighty 
turrets and pinnacles formed from solid ice, each gleam- 
ing as with millions of vari-colored stars, it glowed with 
the same mellow radiance as emanated from the stalac- 
tites on the Forest Keeper’s car. 

“You find it beautiful?” inquired her companion. 

“So beautiful,” responded Rosamund, “that I am sure 
naught on earth can compare to it.” 

• “Before I take you to the palace on yonder height,” 
continued her companion, “it will be well for you to 
know why you have been chosen — the only mortal of the 
whole world — as the invited guest of Miolner, the Snow 
King.” 

“I have wondered much,” replied Rosamund, “but 
thought it best to wait until you deemed it wise to tell 
me. 

“You are a mortal child of good address and well 
mannered,” said her companion, well pleased. “The 
Snow King will be glad to welcome such an one, for I 
must confess it was with some misgivings that he at 
length dispatched me for you, through the importunities 
of the snow fairies. 

“I do not, myself, consider that they have at all over- 
estimated your gentleness and power, although I little 
liked the errand when I started. Well pleased am I now 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


13 


in having fulfilled His Majesty’s behest. You must 
know, dear child, that the Snow King is very, very old.” 

'‘Older than you?” queried Rosamund. 

She could feel the smile pass over her companion’s 
face as he replied: 

“As old, anyway, and I may tell you this, we are both 
much older than any of the mountains of the earth ; when 
they were once the beds of mighty seas we were even 
as we are now. 

“But to continue, Miolner, the Snow King, has an only 
child, a daughter, who is the most beautiful of the 
princesses of the earth. Her figure is slender and sup- 
ple as a willow wand, her hair is black as the depths of 
a starless night, her eyes are the blue of a frosty sky, 
and her smile is so sweet that even the gems on her white 
bosom have been known to melt at its tenderness. This, 
child, is my poor description of Peerola, the Peerless one, 
the only child and dearest treasure of the mighty 
Miolner.” 

“And shall I ever have the happiness of seeing this 
beautiful princess?” asked Rosamund. 

“Dear child,” was the affectionate response of her 
guide, “it is for this purpose you are brought hither. I 
will tell you the rest of my story. Peerola has now 
reached her eighteenth year, and her hand is being eagerly 
sought by the princes of the kingdoms adjoining Miol- 
ner’s. But she will have none of them. In fact, she 
will not even interview one of them, and her father — 
although he for many reasons would willingly keep her 
with him as the light of his eyes, yet desiring her future 
welfare, is anxious to see her happily wedded — is in 
despair at her continued obstinacy.” 

“But what do you think is the cause of the Princess’s 


14 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


determined opposition to her father’s wishes?” asked 
Rosamund. 

“It is a complete mystery,” responded her guide. “The 
only thing we can imagine is that she may have lost her 
affections to a stranger, but she absolutely refuses to 
answer any inquiries on the subject, and sits for hours 
at a time nursing her beautiful head and sighing as the 
West wind sighs when wooing the rose. The point is 
that no stranger has entered the Kingdom, and we can 
only surmise that one day when out with my reindeer, 
of which she has full control, she may have penetrated 
the wide forest and, entering the further world, have 
beheld a being who has enamored her heart and stolen 
her affections from her father, home and companions. 
It is in the hope that you may solve this mystery that 
you, a mortal, stand to-day a welcome and invited guest 
in the Kingdom of Miolner, the Snow King.” 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


15 


CHAPTER II 

When Winter Nature’s treasures coldly seals, 

How often wondrous secrets he reveals, 

Which only little children understand. 

When in his icy ink-pot dips his hand 
And, with a firm unwavering finger, grains 
God’s cipher on the whitened window-panes. 

Rosamund’s guide again flecked the icy reins over the 
milk-white backs of his graceful steeds, and the beauti- 
ful animals started with fleet foot and without any effort 
up the steep side of the gleaming white mountain, nor 
paused until they reached the chief entrance to the 
Snow King’s palace. 

Then what a commotion there was! Fifty white lions 
immediately arose from a couchant position and stood 
on each side of the wide, glittering steps of ice. The 
heralds, in state uniform of green and gold, waiting 
purposely at the gate to announce the arrival of Rosa- 
mund, blew fierce fanfares from their silver-throated 
trumpets. Immediately the massive gates swung noise- 
lessly back and thousands of snow fairies, with radiant 
faces and outstretched hands, appeared. 

“You have come, sweet Rosamund!” they whispered 
joyously. “Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!” Then 
embracing her most tenderly, they waited while she bade 
her guide an affectionate farewell, then led her into the 
state apartment of the palace to await the coming of the 
King. 

He entered, hoary, grand, majestic; yet his mien to- 
ward Rosamund was gentle, and even humble. Her 


16 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


heart went out to the tall, bent, white-haired old man 
who stroked his long silver beard and looked at her so 
anxiously, and her childish eyes moistened in sympathy 
at the sad lines around his sweet, yet kingly mouth. 

“Unchanging, the Keeper of the Forest, has told me 
you know and understand the reason of my summoning 
you hither,” he said. 

Rosamund bowed low in reply, then, her heart over- 
flowing with pity for the sad-faced old King, she curtsied 
prettily and pressed her rosy lips against his cold, with- 
ered hand. 

He smiled, well pleased, and scanned eagerly the bright, 
fresh, golden-framed face gazing up so sweetly at him. 

“I am sure Peerola will talk to you,” he said. “Oh, 
child, child, unseal her heart, that she may confide in 
you, for unless she unburdens her mind of its secret 
sorrow I even fear she may die. Then woe to me, for 
she is the light of my eyes and the only solace of my 
heart.” 

“Dear King,” cried Rosamund earnestly, “believe me, 
I will exert myself most heartily to furthering your de- 
sires, and I hope I may be able to arouse the Princess 
from the depression that has overwhelmed her.” 

The King inclined his head gratefully in acknowledg- 
ment, then, taking her hand, he conducted her up the 
wide silver staircase leading to the Princess’ apartment. 

Rosamund had never before entered so magnificent a 
chamber. Its glistening roof of amber and gold was 
supported by massive pillars of ice, festooned and carved 
into beautiful and fantastic shapes by clever artists from 
the Kingdom of Frost, immediately adjoining Miolner’s. 
From the gleaming ceiling tier upon tier of luminous 
icicles threw their tender radiance upon the scene. 

The Princess herself sat in a marvelously carven chair, 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


17 


around the arms and back of which Frost’s cunning 
sculptors had intertwined fair lilies of the valley and 
convolvulus and clustered guelder roses and pale haw- 
thorn with such rare art as might deceive Nature herself, 

Peerola was robed in a garment soft as wool, white 
and gleaming, woven from the petals of flowers breath- 
ing only in the regions of eternal snow. Her feet were 
encased in slippers of clear crystal. Her black hair hung, 
curling and lustrous, over the arms of her chair. Her 
head was bending listlessly as the cup of a beautiful lily 
hanging over its slender stalk, her chin resting on one 
delicate hand. Around her hovered the dainty, brilliant 
forms of many snow fairies, each outvying the other 
as to which could first arouse the Snow Princess from 
her sorrowful lethargy. 

The old King sighed heavily at thus beholding the 
melancholy of his dearly loved child. 

“Can you not awaken her interest in anything?” he in- 
quired of the winsome snow fairies. 

“Alas, Sire,” they replied sorrowfully, “we have danced 
to her and sung to her. The chanting of our harps and 
lyres hath awakened echoes e’en far as the Forest of Va- 
pors itself, yet hath she not responded by so much as a 
smile.” 

“Peerola!” cried the old King, “look up and speak to 
thy father, dear child, and tell me how it fares with thee 
to-day.” 

Thus admonished, Peerola raised her head and turned 
her brilliant blue eyes upon her father. Rosamund noted 
how their star-like radiance held the shadow of unshed 
tears. 

“I am quite well, dear father,” said the Princess. “Let 
not thy kind heart feel overburdened with anxiety on my 
account. Take thy reindeer and the nobles of the court, 


18 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


dear sire, and hunt again the fierce bear and the walrus, 
as thou wert wont to do, nor tarry in thy sports and 
pleasures through any concern for me.” 

With these words the Princess again dropped her head 
and hid her face with the soft whiteness of her hands. 

“This will never do,” said the old Ring huskily. 
“Peerola, dear one, look up and see whom I have brought 
to be your companion and friend. Far beyond the For- 
est of Vapors have I sent my trusty kinsman, Unchang- 
ing, and he hath returned bringing with him the maiden 
Rosamund, of whom the snow fays hath told us so 
much.” 

Then did Peerola again raise her head and turn her 
brilliant gaze on Rosamund, the light of a great hope 
illuminating her countenance, and she arose from her 
seat and took Rosamund’s hand, the while she com- 
manded her maidens to weave a wonderful dais for her 
guest, and broider with many gems a gown of golden 
hue. Then turning to Miolner, she thanked him with 
so radiant a smile that the very gems lying on her white 
bosom were fain to melt away with love of it. 

And Miolner with a glad heart went out and called 
his nobles and his reindeer to the hunt, for, said he : 

“All will yet be well, for the Princess has smiled 
again.” 

But despite the continued presence of Rosamund, the 
smile shone no more on the sweet countenance of Peerola, 
who would sit on the woven dais and gaze into Rosa- 
mund’s eyes with the pathetic and beseeching glance of 
a weary child. 

“You must tell me, dear Princess,” Rosamund would 
say, “what troubles you so much. Can I not help you, 
or do anything for you ?” 

The Princess would turn away with a sigh. “One day 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


19 


I will tell you, and perhaps you may help me,” she would 
reply, “but not yet.” 

However, Rosamund persuaded her for the sake of 
Miolner, most dearly beloved by his daughter, to inter- 
view the neighboring princes who still importunately per- 
sisted in suing for the honor of the Princess’ hand. 

Glad indeed was Miolner, who immediately sent his 
heralds to proclaim the fact in every Kingdom on the 
northern side of the Forest of Vapors. The ice palace 
became the scene of magnificent preparations — the glit- 
tering state apartments, including the throne room, with 
its lofty stuccoed ceiling, weirdly frescoed walls and its 
great throne carven with every strange and wonderful 
device known and unknown to man, with its fifty crys- 
tal stairs, each guarded by two grave and fierce white 
lions which had been presented to Miolner by Thor, the 
North Wind himself, when they were tiny cubs carried 
by his stormy breath from far-away continents in regions 
yet undreamed of by man. 

Among the numerous suitors for Peerola’s hand were 
two princes who particularly attracted Rosamund’s 
favor. One was Prince Iclethor, the elder son of the 
mighty Frost King. Oft would he sit at the feet of the 
peerless Princess and sing strange, weird melodies, or 
gaze at her from the unfathomable depths of his grey 
eyes, wlhich held the secrets of eternal years; or still 
again would he turn the pages of ancient tomes, show- 
ing the wonderful engravings, or reading therefrom 
charming and enthralling stories already well known to 
Rosamund, for had she not seen and read them many 
times engrained by the hoary Frost King himself on the 
panes of her windows at home ? 

The other was Viking of the Sea. He was tall and 
comely, and he, too, would take his harp and in wild 


20 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


bursts of song describe to the Princess the beauties and 
splendors of his ocean home, and of the coral palace 
which would one day be hers, would she but consent to 
be his bride, and again and again place coronets of milky 
pearls culled from the treasures of the deep upon her 
snowy brow. 

But Peerola sent all the princes away, and as her 
pensiveness increased so also did the anxiety of the 
King and his court, who at last held a great council and 
decided to petition the' Princess to inform them of the 
cause of her continued melancholy. 

Holding Rosamund firmly by the hand, the Princess 
made reply to the council : 

“My dear father and friends, some months ago, in 
fact, on the very day of my fifteenth year, in full excess 
and wanton spirits of unfettered girlhood, a mood of 
mischief seized me and I determined to escape my at- 
tendants and for once, unaccompanied, explore the great 
unknown world outside my father’s court. As so often 
happens when wrong is afoot, fate seemed only too pro- 
pitious, for directly on arriving at the palace gates I found 
the sentinels were within the guardroom lustily singing to 
my health, and in fact feeling far too merry and too 
loyal to me to remember their duty and loyalty to the 
King. So, passing quite unobserved through the massive 
gates, I found ready to my hand the car and reindeer 
of Unchanging, my ever dear and loyal friend. I knew 
the gentle creatures well, for often had I accompanied 
Unchanging in his journeys through various parts of my 
father’s Kingdom. 

“The wild — the, to you, I am sure, improbable — idea 
seized me, why not take the reindeer and explore the 
regions beyond the Grey Forest, even though it should 
mean death, for have not those of the inhabitants of 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


21 


the Kingdom of Eternal Snow who once have passed the 
dreaded boundary gone to the Great Unknown forever? 

‘‘This thought, however, did not deter me. My dear 
father had never yet thwarted any desire of mine, and no 
one else had dared, therefore I was unused to check any 
of the impulses of my undisciplined nature; so taking 
the reins and seating myself in the car, I guided the 
reindeer in the direction of the Forest of Vapors. Of 
the terrors of that journey I shall not speak; but for the 
sagacious instinct of Unchanging’s reindeer I should oft- 
times have been engulfed in its deadly vapors or caught 
in the sinewy embrace of the skeleton-like branches of 
those terrible trees. 

“However, in safety we passed the precincts of the 
forest and I arrived in that wonderful land which is 
guarded by His Majesty the Sun, that great King whose 
home to me had been most terrible, and from whose 
glorious face Miolner and his Kingdom must be shrouded 
forever.” 

As if overcome with emotion at the memories her re- 
cital recalled, the Princess paused and, for a moment, 
shielded her eyes with her hand, thus losing sight of the 
looks of mingled concern, anxiety and alarm which over- 
spread the faces of the King and his courtiers. She 
presently continued : 

“The first thing I saw was a most beautiful garden 
full of flowers much like those in my chamber, roses, 
lilies, petunias and others, only these emitted a most 
wonderful perfume which intoxicated my senses with 
its fragrance. Above were the swaying branches of the 
trees, laden with delicious and tempting fruits of every 
description, and flitting among these branches were tiny 
creatures in fluffy, colored garments, from whose wee 
throats piped forth the most exquisite carolleons. I was 


22 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


about to enter this garden to examine its wonders more 
closely when I beheld, walking down one of its flower- 
bordered paths, a prince who at one glance I knew must 
be a son of the Sun God himself. Oh, could you but 
have seen his radiant countenance and the beauty of 
his yellow curls ! 

“He was dressed in a robe of bright flame, and on his 
broidered girdle in bold letters of fire I read his name, 
‘Prince Flame Heart/ who, you know, is the eldest child 
of the Sun. 

“Then I knew, dear father, as I gazed at this brilliant, 
gentle prince that I could consent to be the bride of none 
other. Alas ! he did not even observe me, so intent was 
he with the flowers of the beautiful garden. I threw 
my green kirtle of jewels towards him, but he heeded 
it not, and soon, mounting into a fiery golden chariot, I 
watched him disappear from my sight. And this, you 
understand, is the cause of my sorrow. 

“Oh, tell me why it is, dear father, you may not in- 
vite this prince with others to your court ?” 

As the Princess concluded her narrative Miolner, his 
courtiers and the snow fairies set up a low, melancholy 
wail : 

“Oh, woe to the Peerless Snow Princess/’ they moaned, 
who pineth for the embrace of the Sun’s fair child ! Oh, 
woe ! woe ! for so shall she surely perish !” 

Then the North Wind wept bitterly, with loud and 
terrible sobs that shook the mighty ocean and wrecked 
many of the proud ships of the sons of man, and he took 
the Princess in his strong arms and rocked her in ten- 
der agony, for she was the best beloved of all of his 
nurslings and he feared dread things for her. 

Miolner, tearing his long silver hair, asked why, in 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


23 


his old age, such a terrible trouble should overwhelm 
him and his. 

“Father,” again entreated Peerola in pleading accents, 
“why cannot you send Unchanging to the Kingdom of 
the Sun and invite Prince Flame Heart to your home, 
even as you invited Iclethor and Viking and the 
others ?” 

The poor old King gazed with stricken countenance 
at the sad, beseeching face of his beautiful child, the 
only child born to him through all the ages of his exist- 
ence; from her he looked at the grave, overcast faces of 
his friends; of Unchanging, his kinsman; of Thor, the 
North Wind, and the tearful snow fairies wiping their 
eyes on their fleecy, downy wings, and on their 
countenances he read the same dire fear and knew that he 
must speak. 

“Child,” he said in trembling, yet piercing, accents, 
“know thou this, that once the Sun King or any child 
of his pierces the gloom of the Forest of Vapors, I, my 
Kingdom, my court, my palace, would be dissolved and 
perish into everlasting oblivion. See, then, how im- 
possible it is for me to invite the Prince Flame Heart 
to my court.” 

Thereupon the Princess began to weep most bitterly, 
but because of her great love for Prince Flame Heart 
she made another petition. 

“Sire,” she pleaded, “may I but see him face to face, 
and if he loveth me and doth ask you to let me be his 
bride I might go and sojourn with him in his own bright 
Kingdom without any danger being wrought to you or 
yours.” 

Then the North Wind again lifted his mighty voice 
and wept, for he knew if this happened the Princess 
must inevitably perish; but Miolner smiled indulgently 


24 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


at Peerola and promised, for he knew that none of his 
friends or courtiers would take the message to the Sun 
King. 

“The place of meeting shall be on the borders of the 
Grey Forest,” he said, “and thou shalt meet the Prince 
in Unchanging’s car of ice.” 

Then he turned to the assembled courtiers and asked 
who would bear his dispatch to the Kingdom of the Sun. 
And because they all loved the Princess so dearly, not 
one would leave Miolner’s Kingdom of Eternal Snow. 
But Rosamund, seeing her loved Princess’s tears, and 
fearing no harm, as Miolner had so willingly given his 
consent, astonished them all by exclaiming: “I will go.” 

“I knew you would help me !” cried Peerola, embracing 
her. “Sweet, sweet Rosamund, how I love you !” 

As Miolner was a great and honorable king, he could 
not gainsay his spoken word or withdraw his hasty prom- 
ise, and Unchanging was obliged reluctantly to escort 
Rosamund across the Forest of Vapors and leave her 
on the borders of the world beyond. 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


25 


CHAPTER III 


Gleaming beneath the Pole-star’s steadfast light 
Of distant scenes I caught a fleeting view. 

The moon-blanched wavelets of some restless sea 
With opalescent rays just glinting through. 

Then far beyond the heav’ns deep azure showed, 

Where stars’ gold rivets everlasting glowed. 

Where fleecy clouds across the blue did stray 
The merry lambkins with their dams at play. 

And on the rainbow’s radiant colored strands 
The little cherubs peeping through their hands. 

Rosamund herself felt a little overcome and awed 
when thinking of the arduous mission she had under- 
taken, but the memory of Peerola’s tears gave her re- 
newed courage. 

“The first thing I must attempt,” she said bravely, “is 
to interview the Sun King himself and ask permission 
for Flame Heart to accompany me to the Forest of 
Vapors.” 

So she sang a fairy song she had learned of the snow- 
fairies, and she sang it so sweetly and prettily that the 
little animals and creatures of the earth assembled around 
her to listen to its melody. 

“Oh, sing the pretty song to us again,” they petitioned 
when she had finished. 

“I will sing all day and night to you,” Rosamund said, 
“if the spider will promise to make me a rope ladder to 
reach to the sky.” 


26 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


Then the spiders commenced spinning a beautiful, 
strong ladder of silken rope, and they worked all day, the 
while Rosamund beguiled them with her fairy songs, and 
when night came the fireflies and glowworms crowded 
near to light them as they spun; so Rosamund sang all 
night, and when the day dawned the silken ladder was 
finished and the skylark bore it far, far up in the sky 
until he met the Fairy Queen of the mist, who took it 
and held it firmly while Rosamund ascended. 

“Child,” she exclaimed when Rosamund appeared, 
“why traverse you these regions unknown to man ? Why 
come you hither?” 

Then Rosamund told all her story to the kind fairy. 

“And you mean to attempt the journey?” asked the 
Fairy Queen; and she did all in her power to dissuade 
Rosamund from the arduous undertaking. 

“The Sun’s Kingdom is far from here, and I fear you 
will never have sufficient strength and courage to reach 
it,” she said; but Rosamund’s loyal heart never swerved 
from its fixed purpose of fulfilling her promise to Peer- 
ola, &nd when the Fairy Queen found her adamant 
she called her maidens and bade them at once start 
shearing the sheep, “for,” said she, “we shall soon need 
all the wool we can get.” And she told Rosamund to 
rest for the remainder of the day, before resuming her 
journey. 

So Rosamund went into the sky meadows with the 
Mist Fairy’s maidens and watched them shear the sheep, 
and gamboled with the snow-white lambs which, to 
the inhabitants of the earth, appear only as fleecy, racing 
clouds; and at night she slept on the bags of soft wool, 
but little thought she that the Mist Queen wanted it to 
Weave the shrouds of Peerola and Flame Heart. 

The next morning, before starting on her journey she 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 27 

received minute directions from the Fairy Queen as to 
her way. 

“For you will never reach the Sun King without the 
aid of the stars,” said the fairy. 

Many weary day^ and nights Rosamund traveled, until 
at length she reached the stars, which extended welcom- 
ing arms to the tired stranger and smiled at her with 
kind and gentle eyes. 

“We will take you to the gates of the Sun King’s pal- 
ace,” they said; “but first we must weave you a gown, 
or you will perish at his first smile.” 

And while they wove her a flaming gown Rosamund sat 
on the rainbow and charmed them with her fairy songs, 
or peeped through her hands at the little children playing 
on the earth. 

The Sun King was most astonished to behold Rosa- 
mund, but listened patiently as she stated the object of 
her mission to him, though he became very grave as he 
read Miolner’s dispatch. 

“It is impossible, I fear,” he said. “How could two 
such extremes wed? One must inevitably perish in the 
embrace of the other. However, the boy must please 
himself. Although I have never beheld the powerful 
Miolner or his Kingdom, yet have I heard mighty things 
of him, and I hold a great regard for him and his. 
Never shall he say that I placed any obstacle in the 
way of this most unique union. 

“The best plan, my dear,” he continued, “is for you to 
interview Flame Heart and tell him just what you have 
told me.” 

“May I see him, then?” gently asked Rosamund. 

“Certainly, my dear,” said the Sun King, “but he is 
not at home; at present he is decorating the garden of 
the Great White Queen on earth. I will let down the 


28 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


sunset ladder, and you shall descend to him on that.” 

So Rosamund descended the purple, crimson and 
golden stairs in the West until she landed in the garden 
of the Great White Queen. Then, and only then, did 
she realize the reason of Peerola’s infatuation. 

Standing in the charming garden, busily engaged in 
opening some crimson rosebuds, was the most comely 
and fascinating prince she had ever seen. Tall and 
slender, he was garbed in a magnificent robe of glowing 
flame, over which his golden curls hung gracefully, vy- 
ing with his very robe in lustre. His eyes were bright 
and piercing, yet gentle and benign. His beautiful face 
shone with a celestial raidance never beheld but in the 
children of the Sun. On his doublet the glistening jew- 
els gleamed forth his name — Flame-Heart. 

He turned as Rosamund approached, and with a bril- 
liant smile, he said : 

“Well, child, art come to view the flowers?” 

At the sight of his radiant smile and tender eyes, 
Rosamund lost her timidity; the memory of Peerola’s 
anguish swelled her heart and loosened her tongue, and 
in glowing terms she related all to Flame-Heart, and pic- 
tured to him Peerola in all her beauty waiting to see 
him again. 

Then Flame-Heart, hearing of the peerless maiden pin- 
ing for love of him, felt a great desire to behold so beau- 
tiful a princess and determined he would meet her at 
the appointed place, e’en the very Forest of Vapors it- 
self; so taking Rosamund’s hands they ascended the sun- 
set stairs and he made his decision known to his father, 
who hid the sadness of his heart and sent his heralds 
to the Grey Forest, where Unchanging patiently waited, 
to announce the speedy arrival of Flame-Heart and 
Rosamund. 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


29 


The Sun King’s great fiery chariot was speedily pre- 
pared and entering it in company with Flame-Heart, 
Rosamund found herself darting through space, drawn 
by twelve flashing meteors. She waved to her friends 
the stars, as they flew past, who answered by brilliant 
twinkling smiles. 

Flame-Heart laughed as they passed through the Mis' 
Queen’s Kingdom, because she and her maidens did not 
even raise their eyes from their looms to watch them 
as they raced along, for little recked he that they were 
busy weaving his shroud. 


30 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


CHAPTER IV 


Below there stretched green pastures still and wide, 
Resting in shadow ’neath the mountainside, 

Where in the chaliced lily-cups repose 

Pale dew-drops, sun-plucked from eternal snows. 


Immediately after receiving the messengers of the 
Sun King, Unchanging hastened through the forest until 
he reached the palace of ice and proclaimed his dread 
tidings. Only the Princess smiled, and donned her fair- 
est gown and one of the green kirtles of which she was 
so fond ; she twined her brightest gems amid the lustrous 
masses of her curling hair. 

The old King, grown more gray and haggard in the 
last hour than in the passing of a thousand years, handed 
her into Unchanging’s icy car and seated himself be- 
side her. The North Wind traveled alongside, sobbing 
audibly. Unchanging’s impenetrable veil hid any emo- 
tion he might feel. 

When they arrived at the outskirts of the forest they 
had to wait but a few moments before the appearance of 
Flame-Heart’s fiery chariot and flashing meteors. Miol- 
ner hid his face in alarm, and the North Wind cowered 
behind the car. Unchanging drew his gray mantle closer 
to him and the stalactites emitted no lustre. 

The Princess gave a glad cry and held out her arms: 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


31 


“My beloved / 5 she cried, and Flame-Heart, gazing 
into her starry eyes forgot all else — his father and his 
fiery throne, the Queen’s garden and the mighty kingdom 
of the earth — all, all were forgotten in the ecstasy of 
Peerola’s enthralling smile. 

He opened his arms to embrace her, crying aloud : 

“I am thine forever!” and as he spoke, his brilliance 
faded, and the Snow Princess became more slender and 
transparent, and even as the anguished Snow King called 
aloud in his sorrow, the Queen of the Mist fairies and 
her maidens hurried up and wound around the twain 
the long gray shroud they had so busily woven, hiding 
them forever, and only the jewels from Peerola’s kirtle 
fell far, far down to the earth, until they rested on the 
lillies and the roses of the Great White Queen’s garden. 

Rosamund had given a dreadful cry on beholding the 
end of her beloved Princess, and the beautiful Prince, 
and had then fallen into a dead faint. 

The Snow King heeded her not, but, wizened and 
old, hastened back to his lonely palace of ice. 

The North Wind hurried away; only Unchanging re- 
membered the lonely child and gazed pityingly upon 
her. 

“Loyal little heart!” he cried, “for thine own peace 
thou shalt forget.” He wrapped her in his grey 
mantle and hid her under his mysterious veil ; then plac- 
ing her in his icy car he hurried over hill and vale 
until once again he stood at the casement of her little 
bedroom. Entering, he placed her in her downy bed, 
and kissing her tenderly once, twice, thrice, he left her. 

In the morning, Rosamund, awakening, looked from 
the window. 

“There has been a great snow storm,” said her mother. 


32 


ROSAMUND OF THE SNOW 


“Yes,” said Rosamund, “is it not beautiful?” for she 
no longer remembered, and did not dream that thousands 
of sweet, wee snow-fairies were lying there, dead of 
very sorrow. 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


33 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


There once lived a very great and powerful king 
named Oakheart, who was dearly loved by his people. 
His queen was very beautiful, but, as her vanity and 
pride were far greater than her beauty or kindness, she 
had not taken a very warm place in the affections of her 
husband’s people. 

One day, the King’s heralds, attired in purple velvet 
bordered with ermine, and begemmed with rubies, rode 
through the kingdom to the north, to the south, to the 
east and the west, and announced that a beautiful prin- 
cess had been born to the King and Queen. 

Great were the rejoicings throughout the whole land. 
Many were the preparations made for the baby princess’s 
christening, and numerous were the foreign princes and 
princesses who arrived in great state to attend the cere- 
mony. 

Everyone who beheld the princess declared that of all 
children born on the earth she was the fairest, and 
prophesied great things for her. 

The ceremony was over, and before the great feast 
which was to follow commenced, the guests assembled 
before the little Princess Destina to present to her the 
lavish and costly gifts they had brought for that pur- 
pose from every part of the world, 


34 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


The last prince had paid his homage to and laid his 
gift before the tiny winsome crowing baby, and, laugh- 
ing and merry, all were about to depart to the magnificent 
dining-hall where the feast was prepared, when a hush 
suddenly fell upon the company as they became aware 
of a strange presence among them. There appeared, 
standing by the cradle of the princess, a tall, majestic 
lady, clad in a flowing robe of glistening silver, holding 
in her hand a lamp, whose rays shed a warm and ruby 
light over the already illumined and brilliant scene. The 
lady’s face could not be seen, for it was covered with a 
silver veil, soft and beautiful as the garment enfold- 
ing her stately form. 

No sound broke the silence which followed the strang- 
er’s unexpected appearance ; even the little princess cooed 
no more, but turned her brilliant baby eyes toward the 
tall figure bending over her. 

At last the veiled figure turned toward the Queen. 
“You called me; I have come,” she said in penetrating 
accents. 

The Queen looked up white and trembling. “Nay, 
lady,” she replied, “surely are you mistaken. Your name, 
voice and dwelling are alike unknown to me. Perchance, 
though, could I see your face your features might recall 
your name to me.” 

“You called me,” persisted the stranger. “Whether I 
am known or unknown to you, you called me and I am 
here.” 

“I called you,” whispered the Queen. 

“Aye ! when you gave that infant lying there my name, 
I was fain to come, for none bear my name but I hasten 
to confer some gift upon them.” 

Everyone breathed a long sigh of relief at the stranger’s 
words. After all, they need not have feared; the lady 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 35 

had only appeared even as they, to give a gift to the 
baby princess. 

“And your name ?” queried the queen. 

“My name is Destiny,” replied the veiled figure. 
“Hasten, oh King and Queen, each one, and name the 
gifts you would most desire for your baby daughter. Two 
only must you choose. Decide quickly, for time flies and 
I must follow him.” 

Oakheart looked mightily relieved when the lady con- 
cluded ; and as for the Queen, the color came back to her 
white cheeks, and she exclaimed in a moment: “You are 
a fairy, methinks. Oh, happy moment when I chose your 
name for my daughter ! Fain, lady, would I have her the 
most beautiful princess in the whole world !” 

“She is that already,” answered the uninvited guest, 
sternly; “you must choose again.” 

“Then,” said the vain and delighted Queen, “I would 
have her marry the handsomest prince the world can ever 
know.” 

“Vain, foolish woman !” responded the stranger, in 
angry accents. “You have chosen, and the wish is thine. 
That you will live to regret it is all I can say to-day. 
Now, oh King, haste you, I pray, and say what you will 
choose for your baby daughter.” 

The handsome, brave King stood gazing fixedly at the 
loved and tiny being in the downy-lined ebony cradle. 
His heart was heavy with fear for his darling child, and 
he wished he had never consented to the name the queen 
had chosen to be conferred upon her. However, it was 
too late now, and the Fairy of Destiny stood impatiently 
awaiting his reply. 

With a gasping breath he raised his eyes and looked 
full at the veiled figure. “Grant,” he said, “that my 
daughter may be as good as she is beautiful.” The veiled 


36 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


lady answered not a word; she bowed her head low in 
reply, laid her hand on the baby’s head, and disappeared. 

The Princess Destina grew into maidenhood the most 
beautiful princess in the whole world. 

Walking in the gardens of her father’s palace, the very 
roses would droop and hide their heads before her fair 
and glowing loveliness. The birds would be lured from 
the trees at one glance of her brown eyes, soft and-golden 
with the light of stars. The busy bees would forget the 
honeyed flowers and hover near at the fragrance of her 
breath. The spiders forgot to spin their webs, entranced 
at the silken threads of her golden hair ; and even the pink 
dawn would blanch at beholding the tints on her soft and 
rounded cheeks, or the sunset pale for very shame before 
the growing crimson of her lips. And she was as good as 
she was beautiful. 

Beloved by all, high and low, rich and poor, she was 
called the princess of love. She became so famed for 
her great beauty and perfect goodness, that by the time 
she reached the age of eighteen years her hand had been 
solicited by every prince — handsome or plain, good or 
clever — from every kingdom in the world; but the prin- 
cess loved not one of them and sent them all away, much 
to the queen’s annoyance and chagrin and to the king’s 
sorrow, for he was getting old, and longed to see before 
he died his dearly loved child the bride of a good brave 
man, who would protect her, and help her rule his king- 
dom wisely and well when he should be taken away. “I 
am sure, Destina,” said the queen one day to her daugh- 
ter, “there can be no handsomer prince in the world than 
Sigismund the brave, and he is as good as he is handsome. 
You must wed him, child, and make your father’s heart 
easy and your mother’s heart glad before we die.” 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


37 


Then Destina placed her soft dimpled arms around 
the queen’s neck and kissed her with her soft lips. “Nay, 
mother,” she whispered, “for I love him not. How, then, 
could I wed him? Fear not; some day, perhaps, a prince 
will come and win my heart, and then will I hasten to 
make you glad.” 

So saying, she again kissed her mother, and calling 
her maidens, she hastened to her favorite resort, the 
seashore. 

Ages ago, the great Sea King, Leon f ride, had ruled 
the mighty kingdoms in the regions far below the ocean. 
It happened one day that he wandered far from his pin- 
nacled castle of white coral, and called his favorite 
steeds, Neptune and Aurora to him. “Take me,” he com- 
manded, “far, far up through the roaring billows; for 
I am curious to behold the world as it appears above the 
mass of water which girdeth forever the realms where 
I dwell.” 

At Leonfride’s words, Neptune and Aurora tossed 
their powerful foaming heads and bore the King even 
as he commanded to the surface of the ocean, seated him 
upon a mighty billow, and meanwhile rested until his 
majesty should again require their services. 

And for the first time Leonfride gazed upon the earth. 

It was night, and the Queen of the Firmament rode 
slowly and in stately pomp across the bosom of the 
heavens. The amazed Sea King gazed upward in awe 
and breathless wonderment. He beheld the stars not 
as they appear to the limited vision of the sons of men, 
but with the keen sight of one who has known eternal 
years. 

Spellbound, he gazed at the beautiful maidens who 
were straying in the golden and azure meadows of the 


38 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


mighty firmament. Some were chasing each other with 
merry laughter and winsome grace. Some were danc- 
ing prettily to the accompanying music of the west wind. 
Others, again, were gamboling merrily with snow-white 
fleecy lambs, while others more stately and dignified 
were riding near the chariot of the Queen. 

But from one of the Star maidens, Leonfride could 
not withdraw his enchanted gaze. Stately, pure, and 
pale, she sat by the side of the silver-garbed Queen. 
Her pale golden hair hung in soft curls over her white 
shoulders and clustered on her low, broad brow, peeping 
into the depths of her sapphire-hued eyes. Her red 
firm lips smiled from a face which was perfect in its 
guilelessness and charm, for it was the face of a beau- 
tiful maiden who had known neither sin nor sorrow. 

And for the first time in his eternal years, Leonfride, 
the Sea-king, loved. 

He sat on the billow and sighed, and reached out vain, 
beseeching hands to the lovely, unheeding being, who an- 
swered not, for from her home of brightness and light, 
how could she behold the dark eager-eyed King, calling 
so wistfully to her. 

“She must be my bride!” said Leonfride; and he 
spoke in the voice of one who from eternity had com- 
manded and been obeyed, of one whose lightest wish or 
desire had never been thwarted or denied. 

And so, with a voice so stern that all his servants 
hastened to obey, he ordered the North Wind to pre- 
pare his mightiest chariot and strongest steeds, and 
to carry him to the kingdom whose meadows were the 
color of the sea, whose queen was garbed in silver, and 
whose maidens were fairer than the day. 

Great consternation reigned in the Moon-queen’s 
kingdom, when Leonfride arrived with his mighty pant- 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


39 


in g steeds; for never before had inhabitant from other 
region placed foot within its sacred precincts. But with 
true hospitality, the Queen received this guest — not one 
whit less powerful and mighty than she — and courte- 
ously listened when Leonfride unfolded his desire to 
her, the while the star-maidens gathered at a little dis- 
tance and gazed at the handsome stranger, for they had 
never before imagined so great a sight of manly beauty. 

For Leonfride was tall and strong as one who had 
wrestled from infancy with the mighty elements ; gentle 
and sweet as one reared by a tender woman, for to him 
the ocean depths had ever been as the soft bosom of a 
youthful mother. Brave and grand, benevolent and 
austere, as became a king who had ruled mighty king- 
doms in years when the earth itself had not evolved from 
the deepness of the waters; and comely even as the 
heart of an innocent maiden could dream or desire a 
lover. 

And Dawn-child, the Queen’s favorite maiden, upon 
whose charm Leonfride had gazed from his foaming 
billowy seat, looked entranced at the stranger’s dark 
eyes, and longed to touch the close-curling blackness of 
his hair, or feel the ruddy smoothness of his cheek. 
And when the Queen, in anxious, trembling accents 
called her, and told her why Leonfride had traveled even 
from the depths of the sea to win her, her face glowed 
with the radiance of new-born love, and saying, “I am 
thine,” she went a willing bride to his arms. 

And Leonfride, holding her tenderly against his breast, 
as a mother would clasp her new-born infant, entered 
his rushing chariot, and bore her with him to his coral 
castle under the mighty waves. 

But it came to pass that, when his baby son was born, 
Dawn-child, his fair star-bride, died, and he buried her 


40 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


with many tears in a jasper grave in the middle of the 
ocean. 

Now, Leonfride loved his infant son, Starprince, with 
a most tender affection, and commanded Unowin, the 
wife of Merdes, the Merking, to undertake the duties 
of foster-mother to his little boy. 

Unowin had two children. The elder was Elses, a 
tall, stately maiden at the time of Starprince’s birth, but 
base and selfish of heart; the younger Myra was the 
same age as the prince, and delicate and fragile even as 
the spray sparkling above her ocean home. 

As time passed on, the prince grew into splendid man- 
hood, possessing his father’s strength and grandeur of 
mien, combined with his mother’s tenderness and grace; 
and small wonder was it that his two foster-sisters loved 
him with surpassing tenderness. Elses, with a fiery pas- 
sion that cared for nought but the fulfilment of its de- 
sires. Myra, with that quiet and true devotion that 
would lay down life itself for the object of its affection. 

But out of all the beautiful maidens in the kingdom 
under the sea, not one could gain the Prince’s love. He 
laughed and danced and sang with them, but not one 
took a place in his heart. Perhaps to Myra he was the 
most tender and affectionate, for her delicacy aroused 
his chivalrous instincts, and he cared for and tended her 
with a brother’s true affection. 

Then Leonfride feared his loved and treasured son 
might one day go even as he himself, and woo a maiden 
from another clime, and know the same sorrow and loss 
as he had done; and he made a hasty and fearful vow, 
which as the king of all the Dominions of the Sea he 
could never recall, but which he regretted all his life. 

He vowed that if Starprince loved maiden other than 
of the sea, she should never sojourn is his mighty king- 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


41 


dom with him, nor should Starprince go to abide with 
her in her own country, unless she willingly gave up 
every visible feature of her beauty to Lalara, the Sea 
Witch, to do with them as she pleased ; for — thought the 
king — Starprince would never go back and abide in a far 
country for the sake of a maiden who had lost all her 
charms. 

But all knowledge of his father’s vow was kept from 
the prince. 

When Destina arrived at the sea-shore, she bade her 
maidens wait on the beach at their pleasure, while she 
bathed in her favorite pool. This pool, the water of 
which was shallow, warm and limpid, was just inside 
a large cave brilliantly illuminated by interstices in its 
roof, and lined with the softest-tinted pink sea-shells, 
which glowed warmly with the radiant rays of the sun 
scintillating on them from above. 

Destina reveled in this cave. Alone and unattended, 
free from the pomp and state of court and the ostenta- 
tious attentions of her maidens, she undressed and 
bathed herself in the clear cool waters of the pool, 
then throwing a loose, silken robe about her, she unbound 
her hair, and let its golden tresses hang gloriously about 
her peerless face, then reclining on the yellow sand, her 
head resting on a pink inlaid ledge of rock, her snowy 
eyelids fluttered softly, and Destina slept. 

Now, it happened that little delicate Myra, tired of the 
incessant chatter and laughter of her companions, had 
wandered away from them; the more to think on Star- 
prince, his charming manners, his tender voice, his 
grand mien, his kingly face, his flashing brilliant eyes, 
his courtesy, his kindness, each and all of his exquisite 
fascinations passed separately through the mind of the 


42 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


enchanted maiden; and then, that she might not be dis- 
turbed in her delightful reverie, she changed herself into 
the form of a pure white sea-gull, and rose up through 
the surrounding waters of her ocean home. Now, Myra 
had on every other occasion basked in the sunshine and 
fluttered her snowy wings in mid-ocean, far, far from 
haunts of men; but so engrossed was she in her enthral- 
ling meditation that she had wandered far before she 
had changed her form, and again the waves had carried 
her so swiftly that when she awoke from her reverie, 
she was startled and aghast at finding herself near a 
beach on which several gay and beautiful maidens were 
disporting themselves. 

“See,” exclaimed one, “what a beautiful white sea- 
gull ! Let us try to catch it.” 

Frightened, Myra turned her bright eyes in every 
direction and espying the opening of a cave, fluttered her 
white wings and in one moment had disappeared into 
it from the maidens’ sight, and as it happened to be the 
Princess’s cave, they dared not follow. 

For a few minutes, fluttering and panting, Myra 
perched on a rocky ledge, then recovering herself began 
to look about her. 

And thus she beheld Destina, sleeping in all the charm 
and innocence of her peerless and beautiful maidenhood. 

Never even in imagination had Myra conceived so ex- 
quisite a vision as this before her. The rosy parted lips 
exhaling the honeyed breath, the curling silken lashes 
on the smooth and perfectly contoured cheek, the wav- 
ing masses of gleaming hair, the soft roundness of bust 
and arm, the grace and freedom of each delicately 
chiseled limb, each and every beauty of the peerless 
maiden filled Myra with exquisite delight, and one de- 
sire only filled her unselfish and loving heart, that Star- 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


43 


prince himself should gaze too upon this being of delight, 
this inhabitant of a clime yet untraversed by him. 

Again fluttering her white wings, Myra darted from 
the cave, passed the now unheeding maidens and dived 
under a throbbing mighty billow, whereupon im- 
mediately resuming her own shape she swiftly reached 
the Sea-king’s kingdom and sought her foster-brother. 

He smiled tenderly at sight of her, and made room 
for her on the pink coral seat on which he reclined. 

“Well, little sister,” he exclaimed gently, “how ex- 
cited my Myra looks.” Then more fiercely, “Has any- 
thing perturbed or frightened you, sweet one? If so, 
you have only to confide in your brother to be avenged 
and protected.” 

Myra, with a soft sigh, crept into his strong enfolding 
arms. 

“Starprince,” she whispered, “I have hastened to find 
you and I want you now to accompany me.” 

Starprince looked at her quizzically and smiled, for 
he had never before seen his quiet little foster-sister so 
excited. “Why, dear one?” he queried. 

Then Myra told him of the beautiful sleeping prin- 
cess and her desire that he too should behold the entranc- 
ing vision. 

Starprince laughed long and heartily. 

“You artless little creature!” he said. “Will not the 
beautiful princesses I meet every day suit your fastidi- 
ous taste, that I must needs go on a wild goose chase 
with you to see a maiden who, perhaps, when awake, I 
shall find is cross-eyed, toothless, and inane? Nay, nay, 
dear little one; you have been asleep, and the sleeping 
Princess is a creation of your slumber. Come, now, and 
join me in the sea-maidens’ dance which is just beginning 
in the palace.” 


44 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


His arm encircled her waist and he rose to lead her 
away, but although every moment thus spent with him 
was ecstasy to Myra, she persisted in her request, and 
again gave so dazzling a description of the princess that at 
length, despite himself, Starprince grew interested, and 
half reluctantly, half in pleasurable anticipation, he con- 
sented to accompany Myra to the cave. 

So swiftly they journeyed that Destina was still asleep 
when Starprince gazed for the first time upon the being 
for whom he should ultimately forsake father and home, 
kingdom, pomp and power. 

It seemed as if the very intensity of his astonished 
and enraptured gaze awakened Destina, for she opened 
her golden-brown eyes and met the rapturous blue orbs 
of Starprince. And thus was their destiny fulfilled, for 
the most beautiful princess in the whole world had met, 
loved, and was beloved by the most handsome prince the 
world could ever know. 

Day after day for many weeks, Starprince and Myra 
met Destina in the cave, and at length he accompanied 
her to the palace to solicit her hand from her father, 
Oakheart, the king. 

The pleasure and delight of the aging king and queen 
were unequaled at finding so mighty, powerful, and 
handsome a prince desirous of wedding their beautiful 
and dearly loved child. 

Oakheart gave his consent immediately, but on one 
condition, that Starprince should sojourn on the earth 
and rule Oakheart’s kingdom for him. To this Star- 
prince agreed, and then embracing the aged king and 
queen affectionately, and bidding a fond farewell to 
Destina, he returned to his sea-kingdom and made his 
plans known to his father. 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


45 


Leonfride had never wept so bitterly since the time 
he had laid his sweet star-bride in her ocean grave. He 
protested, he entreated, he commanded Starprince to 
give up all thoughts of Destina, but Starprince was 
staunch and true. Although suffering for his father’s 
pain, he took heed of neither threats nor tears. “Nay, 
father,” he reiterated, after every fresh outbreak, “I 
am pledged, and my faith and love are both at stake. I 
cannot break my troth with Destina.” 

Leonfride, finding him unwavering and firm as the 
mighty rocks bounding his kingdom, at last gave re- 
luctant consent to his betrothal, promised him his bless- 
ing, and gave permission for his sojourn in Oakheart’s 
kingdom on the earth. 

So with a glad heart, Starprince hastened with the 
joyful news to Destina. 

Meanwhile the tidings of the prince’s betrothal and 
ultimate departure spread in the kingdom under the sea 
until it reached the ears of Elses, the stately and beauti- 
ful daughter of Unowin, who had ever hoped that Star- 
prince would woo her for his bride, and that she would 
have the felicity and honor of being his queen and wife. 

Nearly mad with disappointment, chagrined, jealous, 
spiteful and malicious, Elses desired nothing so much as 
that some harm should befall Destina, so that Starprince 
should no longer desire her for his bride. 

And at this opportune moment who should appear be- 
fore her but Lalara, the Sea-witch. 

“Fie, fie! Elses, my child! Why so disheartened?” 
quoth she wickedly, for she knew quite well the cause 
of Elses’ woe. 

“Ah, mother!” cried Elses, with quick welcome; 
“How glad I am to see you. Oh, help me in my great 


46 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


trouble and prevent my beloved Starprince from wed- 
ding the earth maiden.” 

“Ah ! I could very easily do that,” replied Lalara, 
knowingly. 

Elses gazed at the old wrinkled woman in wondering 
delight, not unmingled with awe. That this old woman 
should profess to do without much trouble, what even 
the Sea King himself found impossible, filled her with 
inexpressible amazement. 

The old witch laughed softly. “You look surprised, 
my bonny girl,” she said, “but I speak truly neverthe- 
less. But hark you ! A big reward should I want if I do 
this thing for you.” 

“Mother!” cried Elses, excitedly, “I would give you 
all I possess, and do all that is in my power for you if 
you can prevent this dreadful calamity befalling me.” 

“I take your word, fair Elses,” said the old witch, 
“and mind you, the task I shall ask you is no easy one; 
for you must show me the caves where the sea-king 
keeps his treasures. Your father, Merdes, is the guar- 
dian thereof, I know. Are you willing to take this risk 
for me? For if you are discovered your life will be 
forfeited, as you know.” 

“I would risk all and everything for Starprince,” 
cried Elses, and Lalara knew the girl spoke truly. 

“Well, then,” she replied, “I will tell you how and why 
it is impossible for Starprince to leave this kingdom.” 
And she poured into the ears of the excited and delighted 
Elses the story of Leonfride’s vow, which, when he 
gave his consent to Starprince’s betrothal he had ap- 
parently forgotten. 

“I go to-day to remind him,” said Lalara. “For his 
own honor he must keep Starprince a prisoner in the 
Sea-kingdom, until the maiden with whom he is en- 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


47 


amored has been informed of the terms of the vow. If 
she truly loves him, she will willingly give up to me her 
beauty, which as a reward for the service you are going 
to render me I shall pass over to you. Then when Star- 
prince again beholds her bereft of her charms, his en- 
chantment will turn to disgust, and he will return to his 
home only to find you, a sea-princess, as beautiful as his 
old charmer awaiting him, and then will come the happy 
termination which I need not mention.” 

Elses drank in every word of Lalara’s with thirsty 
rapture. To see the fulfillment of her every hope and 
desire so swiftly and easily accomplished filled her with 
inexpressible delight. 

She clasped Lalara, wizened and ugly, to her, exclaim- 
ing: “Oh, I will see that all the treasures of the Sea-king 
are shown to you !” Then Lalara, well satisfied, made 
her way to the palace to recall to the unhappy King, his 
unfortunate and hasty vow of years ago. 

Day after day for many weeks Destina wandered dis- 
consolate on the sea-shore, awaiting the appearance of 
her lover ; but he came not. 

“Something has surely happened to him!” she would 
sob on her mother’s breast. “He was so good, and brave 
and true, he would never have forsaken me thus.” 

Weeping bitterly in her cave one day, she was startled 
and frightened at the appearance of a wizened and ugly 
old woman, who was gazing at her with intense amaze- 
ment mingled with a kind of reluctant but forced admira- 
tion. 

“Pardon me, maiden,” said the old woman, who was 
none other than Lalara, “I expected to behold a charming 
princess, but not so peerless a being as you !” 

“What do you wish with me?” queried Destina, 


48 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


shrinking from the unpleasant scrutiny of the ugly old 
woman, and wishing she were gone. 

“I come with news of Starprince,” answered Lalara, 
who, reading Destina’s thoughts aright, and recognizing 
the difference between the pure and innocent maiden and 
herself, maliciously rejoiced in her power to injure her. 

At the charmed words, Destina immediately changed 
from a posture of languid indifference to one of excited 
and keen interest. 

“News of Starprince !” she cried, “Oh, hasten, I pray ; 
for my heart is sick with anxiety and pain. Has aught 
befallen him?” 

“He is a prisoner in his father’s palace,” answered 
Lalara, curtly, for she had no wish to soften her bad news 
for this beautiful princess, whose wonderful charm and 
angelic modesty awakened antagonistic feelings in the 
dark breast of the sea-witch. 

“A prisoner!” cried the unhappy and concerned Des- 
tina. “But why, pray you, has such an unjust dishonor 
befallen my prince?” 

“To keep him from your side, Princess,” laughed 
Lalara, maliciously. Then she told the princess of 
Leonf ride’s vow and the terms attached to it. 

“My poor, poor Starprince !” sighed the unhappy prin- 
cess. “Willingly, willingly would I forego every charm 
I possess to set you free. But alas! Could your love 
survive the shock of beholding me shorn of every beauty 
wherein your heart did so rejoice? Alas! what shall I 
do, what shall I do?” 

“You must decide one way or the other, and quickly,” 
persisted Lalara, “for my time is precious, and I can- 
not stay to bandy words with you. Either one of these 
two things — Starprince a prisoner forever, and you 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


49 


lonely and beautiful; or Starprince free and by your 
side always.” 

“Ah, me!” cried Destina. “But will his love survive 
the shock of seeing me bereft of all the features he so 
much loved and admired?” 

“Surely your goodness should be sufficient to chain 
him to your side,” said Lalara, maliciously, “for are you 
not equally famed for the purity of your mind, the 
virtues of your soul, and the exquisite charity of your 
heart, as for the mere and passing beauty of features 
and form? Surely with such desirable qualities still in 
your possession you cannot think that Starprince would 
desert you simply because you have lost daintiness of 
face and grace of movement. Hasten to decide, I pray 
you.” 

“I do not hesitate on my own account, but solely on 
his !” cried poor Destina. “Alas, my prince ! For your 
sake will I sacrifice my beauty. If you love me still 
and will abide with me, gladly will I do so a thousand 
times. If your affection cannot stand so cruel a test, at 
least you shall be free.” 

Then Lalara, with a triumphant laugh, cut off Des- 
tina’s silken tresses and took the golden light out of her 
eyes, the pink and white from her cheeks, the ruby 
glow from her lips, and the grace from her beautiful 
limbs. Bearing these treasures with her, she hastened 
to carry them to the impatient Elses, awaiting her in the 
Sea-king’s kingdom, leaving Destina, haggard, wan and 
plain, to wander disconsolately back to her fatheffs 
palace. When the King and Queen saw her so changed 
and desolate, they clasped and kissed her, weeping, 
the while the Queen sighed and regretted her vain de- 
sire in the years long past. 


50 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


When Lalara made known to Leon f ride the success of 
her mission to Destina, and showed him the beautiful 
features of which £he had bereft the sweet princess, the 
old King hung his head upon his breast and moaned 
aloud. 

“My boy, my boy! In my selfish love I have ruined 
thy life!” he said; and then a great fear possessed him 
that Starprince should hear of the part his father had 
taken in the despoiling of his beautiful bride, and he 
forbade any in the kingdom to breathe a word to the 
prince of what had befallen, or of the change in Destina. 
“He will know soon enough,” he groaned, “Ah, woe is 
me!” 

Then he himself went to the luxurious and handsome 
rooms where Starprince had been imprisoned, and told 
him to journey to the earth, where his bride was await- 
ing him. 

Starprince, who had fumed and fretted impotently and 
wondered much at his forced delay, embraced his father 
affectionately, assuming the old King’s agitation to be 
caused through sorrow at his departure. He bade fare- 
well to all his old companions and friends; but when he 
came to Myra, she clung to him in an agony of grief 
he could not understand. 

“Fie, fie, little one!” he said, “This will never do! 
Do you forget it is through you I met my bonny bride? 
Therefore I expect you, of all people, to rejoice and be 
glad and delight me with your congratulations and joy.” 

Myra raised herself and gazed into his splendid brave 
eyes with an intensity and pathos he could not under- 
stand. 

“Oh, Starprince! Brother, friend, protector and com- 
rade !” she sighed, “I have one favor to ask you, and as 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 51 

it is the very last I shall ever make, you must grant it 
to me.” 

“It is granted as soon as requested, sweet sister,” re- 
sponded Starprince gallantly. 

Myra sighed, and again gave that steadfast and 
pathetic glance into the kind and true blue orbs bent on 
her. 

“Promise me, Starprince,” she said faintly, “that you 
will not seek the Princess Destina to-day, but rest for 
the night in the old cave by the seashore until the morn- 
ing, when you may make your way to the palace.” 

“It is a very strange and hard request you have made,” 
said Starprince, reluctantly; “but because I have prom- 
ised I will do as you desire, though my heart 
pines for a sight of my beautiful princess.” Then he 
kissed her affectionately, and went away and did 
even as she had asked, resting in the old shell-strewn 
cavern by the seashore. And all through the night a 
pure, white sea-gull perched on the pink shell ledge 
watched over him; and when the dawn came the pretty 
bird swooped down and with a sudden and fierce move- 
ment plucked out the eyes of the sleeping prince, then 
with a wild wailing cry flew out far, far over the ocean. 

And at the sound of the cry, the Prince awoke and 
discovered that he was blind. 

Thus it came to pass Destina found him and held his 
poor head to her loving breast, and soothed him with 
her gentle voice, and he was comforted at her presence, 
and knew not her beauty was gone and that she was 
changed. And none ever told him, for Destina was 
loved so much for her great goodness that none missed or 
regretted her lost beauty. She and Starprince were mar- 
ried amid great rejoicings, and lived in peace and con- 
tentment for many years, their children’s beauty and 


52 


THE WHITE SEA-GULL 


virtue rejoicing the hearts of the aged king and queen 
and their people. 

And so all these years Elses waits in the sea-kingdom, 
decked in her stolen charms, for the Prince who will 
never come; while on the foaming waves, Myra often 
sits and sighs over the sightless orbs which for his sake 
she had plucked from the face of her beloved. 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


53 


THE QUEST FOR THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


Every inmate of the castle had hastened outside to 
behold the wonderful mirage. 

The King himself, accompanied by the Lord Chamber- 
lain, had hurriedly left the business of state, and now 
stood surrounded by the lords and ladies of his court 
on the balcony of the stately palace, his eyes, like theirs, 
fixed upwards in unparalleled admiration and astonish- 
ment at the marvelous picture in the air. 

On the upper terrace, a little distance away, stood his 
two daughters, the Princesses Leonora and Editha, in- 
tent, too, on the wondrous panorama unfolded to their 
enraptured gaze. 

For, showing clearly against the pale blue of the un- 
clouded summer sky, gleamed and glistened a magnifi- 
cent palace of pure gold. Turrets and towers and stately 
pinnacles shimmered and scintillated in the sunlight in 
an unparalleled display of glory. Surrounding this 
palace was a beautiful garden, the flowers of which, 
lavish in number and rich in hue, sparkled like so many 
precious gems. A limpid river, bathed in sunlight, in 
which the shadow of the palace was goldenly reflected, 
ran through the garden. And, fitting gem in a perfect 
setting, there walked on its banks a knight clad in gold 
armor. Stately and grand, handsome of face and noble 
of mien, he paced by the river, the light from his beauti- 
ful hair shaming in hue the sunbeams entangled in the 


54 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


meshes of the rippling waters. He was smiling at the 
doves and pigeons which flew trustingly around him, 
gazing alternately from them to a large ring of dazzling 
brilliance he wore upon his hand. 

This enchanting vision lasted but a few minutes. Then 
trembling for an instance on the horizon it suddenly 
vanished, and the eyes of the delighted spectators be- 
held only a faint gray haze hiding the beauty of the 
summer sky. 

For some time, however, all continued gazing upwards 
as if reluctant to believe the sky picture had really dis- 
appeared, or even perchance hoping for its reappearance. 
At length, with a deep drawn sigh, the minions and serv- 
ants re-entered the castle to continue their interrupted 
work. The King and his chamberlain, too, returned to 
their business. The ladies and gentlemen resumed their 
various pastimes; and only the princesses and one old 
woman at last remained on the terrace. 

This latter, who had been standing a little apart from 
the princesses, was their old nurse, Esther, and both were 
devotedly attached to her, while the old woman herself 
simply idolized her beautiful motherless nurslings. 

She made her way to them, now, her old eyes gleam- 
ing and head wagging in a most excited manner. 

“Oh, my dearies, my dearies!” she exclaimed. The 
princesses knew at once from her manner that their old 
nurse had something of importance to communicate to 
them, and naturally inferred it would concern the won- 
derful mirage they had just witnessed. 

Esther was held in considerable awe and some venera- 
tion by all the court, where she was reputed a witch. 
Although this latter opinion was an exaggeration, the 
old lady was undoubtedly wise, and possessed great 
stores of knowledge, which were sources of infinite de- 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


55 


light to the young princesses, who were the only crea- 
tures privileged to peep into Esther’s treasure-house. 
They had never, however, beheld her in so in- 
tense a condition of excitement, and listened eagerly for 
her next words. 

“Oh, it was a vision!” said Esther. “Yonder 
was the wonderful Golden Knight, who bears on his 
finger the ring of Eternal Happiness. Where he dwells 
none knoweth, but whoever seeketh him to at last find 
will receive from him the flaming ring of everlasting 
joy. Oh, dearies ! Would it were one of you.” 

“I should like to see the Golden Knight once again,” 
cried Leonora, “and much should I like to become the 
possessor of the marvelous ring. Then should I be the 
envied of the whole world!” she added, her dark bril- 
liant eyes flashing. 

“I should like to see the Golden Knight, too,” said the 
fair Editha, thoughtfully. “Nurse, have you ever known 
any who have ventured on this seemingly wild quest?” 

The old woman was silent for a few seconds, the while 
she surveyed with eyes of tender solicitude, the beautiful 
glowing faces of the youthful princesses. Leonora, so 
brilliant in her dark beauty, who ruled the court by rea- 
son of her powerful and commanding loveliness. Editha 
fair and pure, gentle and benign of countenance, ruling 
and holding in sway all hearts by the power of kindness 
and love. 

Esther loved both passionately, but perhaps Editha a 
little more than Leonora ; for she had received the 
former when a newborn infant, a sacred charge from 
the dying queen, eighteen years before. At length she 
answered: “I have known a few, but all stayed on the 
way, or returned after many days ; for they found the 
journey far too lonely and toilsome ; so no one has yet re- 


56 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


ceived the flaming ring from the hand of the Golden 
Knight.” 

“Do you know,” cried Leonora, after pondering a little 
while, “I have a good mind to try my fortune. And if 
my father will grant permission, I think I will start on 
the quest for the Golden Knight.” 

Esther looked well pleased at Leonora’s words. Nothing 
would give her so much pleasure as that one of her nurs- 
lings should receive the flaming ring of Eternal Happi- 
ness. 

“If you decide to take the journey,” she said, “no one 
can prevent you. The King himself, after witnessing 
the vision — dare not refuse his sanction. The vision is 
never seen save just before some person starts forth in 
quest of the golden ring. That person in all probability 
is you.” 

“Then all will be well !” cried Leonora, in excited ac- 
cents. “I will ask the King for an escort and provisions, 
and for one of the gilt state coaches. I should like to 
appear before the Golden Knight as befits the elder 
daughter of a king!” she concluded proudly. 

Then the old nurse wrung her hands, and cried out: 
“Alas, alas ! You do not understand, honey ! Any per- 
son who undertakes this quest must go alone and un- 
accompanied, and nought must take but sufficient food 
for three days’ journey, an<d a staff and cloak.” 

Leonora’s proud lips curved in incredulous scorn. 
“And do you mean to say people have existed who sal- 
lied forth under those conditions?” 

“They have,” declared Esther, “but as I before said, 
they never persevered.” 

“I should think not!” said Leonora. “Personally, I 
should not dream of starting alone and unattended. One 
might be a beggar-maid for aught the world would know ! 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


57 


Then think of the lonely dark nights ; ugh ! and 
no one to attend you, and no food prepared. Why, 
under such circumstances the very idea is preposterous 
and impossible.” 

“Do you mean you have changed your mind?” asked 
Editha. 

“Certainly!” responded Leonora. “Surely,” she asked 
impatiently and scornfully, “you did not imagine for a 
moment I should leave my father’s palace, with every 
luxury and comfort, on such a wild goose chase as that ?” 

“I don’t know!” answered Editha, thoughtfully. “To 
my mind the going alone enhances the whole affair. 
If one then discovers the Golden Knight it is by one’s 
own unaided efforts. The lonely nights and lack of at- 
tendance of which you speak in such horror have for me 
no terrors. I really think, sister, if you have decided 
against going, I will undertake the journey.” 

“You!” cried Leonora, aghast. “You are too delicate 
and fragile, Editha, to even attempt so hazardous an 
enterprise. It is unreasonable for you to suggest such a 
thing.” 

“Nay,” said Esther, “if she decides, it is the place of 
none to chide or forbid her. So, little one, do you think 
yourself capable of enduring loneliness, hunger, thirst, 
weariness and I know not what else that may befall 
you ?” 

“I feel, dear nurse,” said Editha, “that I would brave all 
the dangers of the elements, all the loneliness and pangs 
you mention, and many more, could I again behold the 
Golden Knight and receive from him the ring of Eternal 
Happiness.” 

“Oh, Editha !” said Leonora, discovering that her fair 
young sister was in earnest, and knowing of old how 
persevering she was in anything she ever attempted. 


58 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


“You have always loved me with so perfect and unselfish 
a love; promise me that if the Golden Knight ever pre- 
sents to you this ring that you will return hither and 
give it to me. I am the elder of the two, and by rights 
it should be mine. But think ! What would our father 
the king do if I should forsake him now in his old 
age, when he needs my assistance in his court, and 
at his state banquets, just for my own selfish desires. 
Much as I long for the ring, I dare not make the journey 
and sacrifice my father and his kingdom and people for 
it. Alas, Editha ! Happy girl, in being a younger 
daughter! You may so easily do this. Promise me, then, 
that at least you will bring me the ring.” 

Editha looked extremely astonished when her sister 
had finished speaking, and Esther laughed softly and 
said: “Fie, fie! do not forget what you have just been 
saying about the journey. If Editha reaches the Knight 
and receives from him the ring she may not part with 
it without his permission.” 

Leonora pouted and looked slightly abashed. Then 
she laughed and said: “Ah, well! If Editha starts, I 
expect she will soon return as have all the others. 
Come, sister, we will make known your decision and 
forthcoming journey to our father.” 

So linking her arm through Editha’s, they went to 
seek the King. 

Editha had passed the boundaries of her father’s king- 
dom, where she had said good-bye to all her loved ones, 
and now found herself alone in a strange country. A 
dark, dismal river with a slow, sluggish current wound 
over the land, and she determined to follow its course, 
for she had not the remotest conception of the abiding- 
place of the Golden Knight. Whether he sojourned in 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


59 


the north or the south, in the east or the west, she had 
not the vaguest idea. “You must discover all for your- 
self,” said Esther. “When you have once started on 
your journey you may then inquire of all you meet, but 
I may not tell you aught now.” 

She journeyed on for some hours, then paused to 
rest, for, unused to exertion or hardships, she soon be- 
came weary, and her feet were already swollen and sore. 
She sat down on the mossy bank of the river and laved 
them in its cool waters, the while she ate fruit and bread 
from her three-days’ store. 

While so resting, a bee, seemingly overladen, passed 
by her, and, too fatigued to continue its journey, lowered 
its tired wings and fell helplessly into the stream. The 
sight of the tiny insect’s .pathetic struggles aroused the 
tender sympathies of Editha’s heart and, bending down, 
she rescued the little creature, placing it on a bed 
of moss by her side. The bright sunlight soon warmed 
and dried the bee, which, seemingly refreshed, spread 
out its wings to fly away. Before doing so, however, 
it turned to Editha and said : “I thank you for the kind 
service you have rendered me. If I can return your 
kindness, I shall be only too glad to do so.” 

Much amazed, Editha gazed at the insect; then she 
said: “You are quite welcome to the assistance I gave 
you. My heart would indeed have been hard had I not 
endeavored to rescue you from your precarious position. 
But you may be able to help me now. In your flight over 
the country you must have learned much. Can you tell 
me the way to the Golden Knight?” 

The bee poised in the air on its graceful wings. “That 
I cannot do,” it replied. “The only being who can tell 
you is the Marble Woman.” 

“And where can I find her ?” queried Editha eagerly. 


60 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


“Keep always to the south, on and on near the King- 
dom of the Sun,” said the bee. “If I knew more I would 
most gladly tell you. Good-bye!” So saying, the tiny 
creature resumed its interrupted journey. Editha’s fa- 
tigue, too, had somewhat passed, and she felt hopeful 
and elated at having at least some direction, however in- 
definite, to follow. So, light-heartedly she picked up 
her staff and bag and continued her way. 

Singing softly, joyous and unafraid, she soon came 
upon a scene which filled her whole being with compas- 
sion ; for, caught in the thick, prickly brambles on one 
side of her way, torn and bleeding from its unavailing 
efforts to extricate itself, was a lovely hare. Evidently 
it had been in its present position for hours, for death 
was already glazing its beautiful eyes. Editha hastened 
forward and, heedless of wounds and tears, she soon 
released the injured creature, gently bathing its wounds. 

After a short interval the hare somewhat recov- 
ered, the eyes resumed their wonted brightness, and turn- 
ing them gratefully towards her, it said: “Thank you 
for your kindness to a frail and helpless creature. Some 
day I hope I may be able to assist you.” 

Then, although Editha was very much surprised to 
hear the hare speak to her, she soon recovered from her 
astonishment and said: “Perhaps you can help me now. 
Can you tell me where I may find the Golden Knight?” 

“Only the Marble Woman can tell you that,” said 
the hare. “But keep to the south, on and on, until you 
get near the Kingdom of the Sun.” So saying, the hare 
bounded away and was soon lost to sight amid the long 
grass and ferns. 

Editha still journeyed on, for she wished now to get 
as far south as she could before she must of necessity 
choose a halting-place for the night. The river’s course 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


61 


still lay southward, and she kept to its banks, for, de- 
spite the darkness of its waters, its murmuring voice and 
occasional waterfalls and bickerings seemed company in 
the intense solitude. Pursuing her way now in a more 
meditative frame of mind, she was suddenly startled to 
see a tiny fish spring from the water high into the air 
and fall panting on the bank at her very feet. The 
tiny creature’s red gills and bright crimson and silver 
scales perceptibly paled, and it was obvious it would 
soon die unless hasty succor was rendered it. 

Editha, as was natural to her nature, immediately 
caught up the pretty creature, and with gentle hand 
placed it back in its watery home. It sank for a few 
seconds, then rose again to the surface and said: “You 
have indeed proved a friend to me and saved me 
from a sad end. I arose to avoid a hungry and vora- 
cious pike, which is the terror of the stream. I, how- 
ever, sprang too far, and should, had it not been for you, 
have escaped one peril only to die of another. I hope 
the time will come when I can repay you.” 

“Perhaps,” said Editha eagerly, “you can help me now. 
Can you tell me where I may find the Golden Knight 
who wears the ring of everlasting joy?” 

“I cannot,” said the fish, “for only the Marble Woman 
knows that. But keep to the south, journeying on to- 
wards the Kingdom of the Sun.” Editha thanked the 
fish and went on. The evening shadows were beginning 
to deepen, and she felt she must of necessity pause and 
choose a resting-place for the night. Just as she had 
decided to proceed no farther the sound of prolonged 
and bitter weeping was borne upon her ears. Aston- 
ished, and not ill-pleased at finding some other human 
being near her, yet concerned at the sounds of woe which 
greeted her, she hastened in the direction from which 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


G2 

they proceeded, and very soon she came upon a little 
cottage made of twigs and mud, and thatched with straw. 
Outside this cottage there stood a little, shrivelled old 
woman, from whom the lugubrious cries proceeded. At 
sight of Editha her sobs redoubled in intensity, and she 
made heartrending gestures with her knotted, rheumatic 
hands. 

“Oh, tell me what is the matter?” cried Editha, in ut- 
most concern at such evidences of great and hopeless 
affliction. 

“Oh! oh!” sobbed the old woman. “Alas! there is 
no one to make my bed, and my poor old bones do ache, 
do ache!” 

“Dear, dear!” said Editha, much relieved, and half- 
inclined to laugh. “Don’t worry about that. I will soon 
make it for you, if that is all your trouble.” 

The old woman stopped weeping and led Editha into 
the cottage, which was spotlessly clean. In the corner 
was a feather bed, which was so hard and matted it evi- 
dently had not been shaken for months, and it took Editha 
quite half an hour to prepare it conducive to a night’s 
repose. The old woman stood by watching in a most 
appreciative manner. 

“There!” said Editha at length. “I think that is bet- 
ter; and if you will let me sit in a chair all night I will 
make it again for you before I resume my journey to- 
morrow.” 

“You may have a chair in welcome, honey,” said the 
old woman; and then, to Editha’s dismay, she immedi- 
ately began wailing and sobbing again at the very top of 
her voice. 

“Dear, dear!” cried Editha, nearly overcome at these 
renewed lamentations. “Whatever is amiss now?” 

“Oh, honey!” sobbed the old woman. “I am so cold, 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


63 


so cold ! And I have no one to light my fire, and my old 
back is too stiff to pick up sticks.” 

“Don’t cry,” said Editha sympathetically. “I will soon 
pick up some sticks in the wood and light the fire for 
you. And in the morning, before I go I will pick up a 
pile and make a big woodstack for you just outside the 
door.” 

So, forgetting her own tired, swollen feet, she hurried 
into the wood, and returning soon with a big double- 
armful of sticks, she hunted out a steel and flint, and 
soon had a blazing fire in the tiny grate, in which, from 
its evident appearance, no fire had been kindled for 
many weeks. 

The old woman hardly knew at first what to do, with 
delight. She sat down and mumbled, and rubbed her 
swollen, aching knees before the grateful blaze. To 
poor, tired Editha the warmth and cheerfulness of the 
fire were no less comforting, and she was about to take 
a seat by the old woman when, to her unmitigated dis- 
may, the weeping and sobbing burst out as before, only, 
if anything, more intense and heartrending. But Editha 
felt no impatience or disgust. The poor wizened, suf- 
fering old creature near her only filled the gentle girl 
with a feeling of divinest tenderness and compassion. 

“Tell me the trouble, mother,” she said, “and don’t 
weep so.” 

“Oh, honey, honey!” said the old soul, hanging on to 
the kind, soft hands held out to her; “I have no one to 
get my supper, and I can’t eat crusts.” 

“Well, don’t cry,” said Editha, kissing the wrinkled 
old forehead. “I will get your supper. I have some 
nice grapes in my bag. And when I went out in the 
wood just now I met a beautiful goat which was be- 
ing hunted by a wolf. The wolf was frightened at me 


64 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


and turned away, and I brought the goat and fastened 
her outside in the little shed where I am going to stack 
the wood. Now I will go and see if she will let me milk 
her.” 

So stepping outside, Editha brought the goat indoors, 
where the grateful and docile creature allowed the girl 
to draw from it warm, refreshing milk. Editha placed 
a gobletful before the old woman, together with some 
grapes. Then taking the goat, she placed it in safety 
for the night, and re-entered the cottage. Seating her- 
self by the side of the old woman, she partook also of 
the delicious milk and sweet grapes. 

The poor old creature’s delight and enjoyment re- 
paid the gratified Editha, who felt she would willingly 
have labored ten times as much to have witnessed such 
pleasure and enjoyment. 

When they had finished their meal Editha put the old 
woman to bed and covered her over carefully; then, re- 
plenishing the fire, she sat back in the chair, with her 
feet on the fender, and thanking God for sending her 
such a shelter on the first night of her lonely journey, 
fell asleep. 

She awoke early the next morning, and was out in the 
wood collecting sticks and logs until quite a large stack 
was piled in the old woman’s shed. She left just room 
enough for the goat to sleep comfortably, and was con- 
siderate enough to find a good supply of fodder and 
roots upon which the gentle creature could survive for 
some time. 

She then prepared breakfast for the old lady, who 
could scarcely believe it when she awoke and found the 
basin of hot milk and white bread — the latter from 
Editha’s bag — by her side. After breakfast Editha 
showed her how to milk the goat, saying: “When she 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


65 


knows you, you can let her wander in the wood for her 
food and she will surely return every night when you call 
her. I have collected enough food to last her for some 
time, and enough wood to last you all winter.” 
Then she asked the old woman if she could tell her 
where to find the Golden Knight, but the old woman 
looked sad and said no, for she had never heard of him 
before. 

Then Editha kissed her and prepared to start on her 
second day’s journey, and the old woman, weeping very 
softly, for now her tears were those of gratitude and 
love, said : “Ah, dear one ! I have nothing to give you 
but an old woman’s blessing; but you’ll get through with 
that big bag of smiles you carry. You’ll find the Golden 
Knight, all right.” 

Editha now left the river, which had taken a sudden 
eastward course. She found that her way led over a 
barren, tractless plain, and, despite her courage, its dreari- 
ness and solitude depressed her, and its hot, sandy soil 
was tiring to her feet; so to cheer herself she sang softly 
as she hastened on her journey, trusting that before the 
night gathered she might discover some sign or knowl- 
edge of the Marble Woman, or at least find some shel- 
tering tree under which she could rest for the night. 

So she carolled on blithely, and glad indeed was she 
when in the distance she beheld a little knoll thickly cov- 
ered with trees. Towards this shelter she hurried, for 
she had traveled many miles that day and longed to rest 
and refresh herself. Upon reaching it she found, to her 
great relief and delight, a tiny stream of fresh, clear 
water trickling through a little wood, the trees of which 
were hung with luscious and varied fruits. She washed 
herself, and ate of the refreshing fruit and drank of 


66 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


the water from the tiny stream; then, covering herself 
with her cloak, she lay down and soon fell asleep. 

Awaking in the morning, she determined before re- 
suming her journey to explore the little forest and gather 
a supply of the fruit to take with her. With this inten- 
tion she made her way through the thick undergrowth 
of the wood, and after traveling a little distance, discov- 
ered herself, to her great amazement, in a large clearing, 
in the middle of which there stood a magnificent marble 
palace, white as driven snow. But everything was as still 
as death. No humming insect or twittering bird broke 
the unearthly silence. Even the trees around were hushed 
and motionless. 

A little awed and much mystified, Editha, after some 
hesitation, summoned sufficient courage to make her way 
to the tremendous gateway and knock. 

The knock reverberated and awoke great resounding, 
threatening echoes, with so many fainter and still fainter 
repetitions that it seemed to the horrified girl that she 
had committed a sacrilege in thus arousing this kingdom 
of the dead ; and to her greater terror, the immense doors 
swung back softly and silently, as if on oiled hinges, dis- 
closing a massive marble staircase, but no sign of any 
living inhabitant. 

Trembling, in fearful expectation of the unseen, Editha 
felt impelled to ascend it. However, in the ascent her 
courage reasserted itself, and she pressed on, eager to 
know what awaited her at the top of that great white 
staircase. 

Arriving there she found another massive door, but 
upon touching it ever so gently with her finger tips it 
opened as noiselessly and swiftly as the preceding one 
had done, and Editha found herself gazing into the most 
magnificent apartment she had ever beheld. Its fur- 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


67 


nishing was composed entirely of marble, cold, pure and 
polished ; and in the center of the room, seated in a great 
throne-like chair, was a most exquisitely beautiful 
woman. 

She was clothed in a flowing white gown, but her face 
and long curling hair rivalled the snowy whiteness of 
her dress. Her eyes were closed and at first Editha 
thought she was sleeping, until approaching nearer she 
discovered it was no warm, living, sentient thing of flesh 
and blood, but a marble effigy carved with the most 
inimitable cunning and consummate skill, the very acme 
of the sculptor’s art. Gazing in spellbound admiration 
Editha realized at the same moment, with a throbbing 
heart, that undoubtedly she had at length reached that 
Marble Woman whom she had so eagerly sought, and 
who was to direct her course. 

But in what manner was she to receive assistance from 
this cold, inert, carven stone? The eyes could not see 
her, nor the ears hear her; neither in the lifeless breast 
did heart beat in sympathy or understanding. 

Gazing at the lovely, lifeless, helpless thing, for the 
first time since starting her journey Editha’s spirits sank 
and unbidden tears rose to her eyes. 

And at that very moment the soft plash of water at- 
tracted her attention. In the awful silence of the palace 
the first distant sound was quite discernible, and, al- 
though mysterious, Editha welcomed it as at least per- 
taining to earth. The sound grew more distinct, and 
listening intently, she recognized it as the sound of 
splashing oars, and also located it as coming from under 
her feet. 

At the same moment, as if impelled by an unseen hand, 
the marble throne, with its lovely carven occupant, glided 
noiselessly aside, disclosing a wide opening in the floor. 


68 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


Feeling that in this mysterious manner her way was 
being pointed out to her, Editha sprang forward and 
looked down through the opening, but started back 
amazed and aghast at what she saw. 

For, moving sluggishly far down under the marble floor 
on which she stood, was the deep, turbid, black water of 
a mighty river. On its slow-moving current was a large 
boat, black as night, and in this gruesome vessel sat one 
solitary oarsman, a fierce, wizened old man with long- 
flowing unkempt hair and beard, and brow marred with 
the passage of many hard and stormy years. His eyes 
burned deep in their sockets, and as Editha sprang back 
he screamed in a harsh angry voice, “Come!” And 
Editha, although she feared the menace in that fierce, im- 
perative voice, could not but obey its command, and 
springing down, she seated herself in the black boat be- 
side the solitary rower. 

Immediately the marble chair returned to its original 
position, closing the aperture in the floor, leaving Editha 
in intense darkness and unearthly silence, save for the 
sound of the oars as they splashed through the deep, dark 
water. 

Perhaps the strangest thing was that Editha now felt 
no fear as the boat passed smoothly on over the breast 
of the weird river. Once, and once only, did the oars- 
man break the silence. Then he burst into so awful, yet 
so beautiful, a song that Editha listened entranced, her 
heart beating the while with a half-holy, all-heroic glad- 
ness; an intense yearning and all-pitying love for every 
fellow-creature filled her entire being, and when the song 
was ended her cheeks were wet with tears. 

The river now became faintly illuminated with a soft 
light and distant objects gradually unfolded themselves 
from the misty radiance, and Editha beheld on either side 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


69 


lofty mountains, beneath which many enclosed gardens 
and vineyards seemed to nestle. The oarsman presently 
guided the boat to the right-hand side of the stream, 
where a sandy landing-place was dimly perceptible. For 
the first and only time since starting their journey he 
addressed Editha. “I can take you no farther,” said he. 
“Farewell!” Editha sprang from the boat, but before 
she could reply or ask for any information his boat was 
again gliding smoothly down the stream into the intense 
darkness, and the echoes of his mysterious, jubilant song 
were wafted softly to her from the impenetrable 
shadows. 

A solemn and awful loneliness encompassed Editha 
as the last echoes of his voice died away. Here she was 
alone in an unknown land — even, for aught she knew, 
another world — with none to advise, comfort or guide. 
Whither should she go? As far as she could judge she 
was no nearer the object of her quest than she had been 
on that memorable day when she had started, and which 
now seemed so far away that she had lost count of time 
since. 

The mountains became more luminous. The nestling 
vineyards caught golden reflections, even the dark waters 
of the river emitted answering gleams, and Editha, won- 
dering at the swiftly increasing radiance, glanced upward 
and beheld its source. 

For, standing on the highest summit, was a glorious 
being of unusual stature, and a countenance of such beau- 
tiful grandeur that Editha was enthralled. It had 
four great silvery, fleecy pinions, which were out- 
spread and seemed to encircle the whole land, and in 
his long and curling hair innumerable golden stars were 
intertwined. Editha, recovering from her first ecstacy of 


70 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


admiration, realized that the beaming eyes of this ethereal 
being were fixed upon her. 

And presently his voice sounded, and although he ad- 
dressed Editha, at the first sound the world seemed to 
awake. Thousands of birds carolled and trilled. Myr- 
iads of soft-winged insects stirred the air with poems of 
mysterious sweetness. Balmy-winged zephyrs wooed the 
willing leaves and shy-eyed flowers with weirdly sweet 
incantations of admiration and love. But above all this 
intoxicating revelry of sound Editha was conscious of 
the entrancing and penetrating accents floating so me- 
lodiously to her. 

“What seekest thou?” 

Then Editha, gazing with great courage into the radiant 
eyes, replied: “I am seeking the Golden Knight who 
bears on his finger the ring of Eternal Happiness, but I 
know not if I am journeying in the right direction, neither 
the country I am traversing at present.” 

“You are near the gates of Eternity,” responded the 
being, “and the Golden Knight lives in that land. The 
way you are taking will lead you to him, though many 
weary days must elapse ere you behold him. See, child ! 
to -help you on your way I will give you a feather from 
my wing and a star from my hair.” 

“Who are you?” asked Editha, rendered bold by the 
exquisite sweetness and tenderness of his voice and face. 

“I am the Guardian of the Gates of Day,” he re- 
sponded. “Men call me ofttimes the Angel of Hope. 
My duty is to stand at dawn and help the inhabi- 
tants of that dreary land called Earth. Before each 
dawn God sets fresh stars around my head, numerous 
as the people of that dreary world. Each dawn I 
stand and place them one by one in each earth-dweller’s 
heart, for they are stars of hope to cheer them in their 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


71 


lives of pain or woe. Behold, child ! all the stars around 
my brow, many as they are, by eve will every one 
have taken its allotted place.” 

“And at eve do you collect them once more?” asked 
Editha. 

The radiant being smiled, and the very skies were 
illuminated. 

“Nay, child! those stars reappear only in eternity. At 
eve God sends me to shake the silver feathers from my 
wings upon the earth.” Editha looked at the four great 
wings and the beautiful fleecy silver down upon them. 

“For why?” she asked gently. 

Then the angel spoke more softly than he had yet 
spoken, but for all that its echoes reached so far and 
wide that it seemed to Editha that unseen harps had 
caught its melody and were sounding it on their golden 
strings. 

“That all mankind may use them, too, as wings on which 
to rise above the despair of sins of the past day, and 
each eve leave the false and the untrue behind for- 
ever.” 

Editha looked at the tiny curling feather which the 
angel had given her, and behold, even as she gazed it 
spread and unfurled into silver pinions which bore her 
up and onward, nor rested until she was deposited in a 
wide green valley at the base of the farthest mountain. 

A winding path led over this delightful vale, from 
which dark cedars and lofty pines reared their stately 
heads. 

She followed the path for some distance, until she 
came to one of the many gardens nestling on the moun- 
tain’s southern slopes. The gates of the garden were 
wrought of glistening silver chased with quaint designs 
and hieroglyphs, which carried no meaning to Editha’s 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


72 

interested eye. Guarding the gates were two angels of 
stately mien and calm and benign countenance. 

Editha now noticed many other angels farther off, 
each one of great and dignified stature, and wearing an 
expression of unalterable peace mingled with holiest com- 
passion. These latter were occupied in gathering a 
strange soft mist which rose upward from some unseen 
source into large golden urns and phials. These, when 
full, they passed on to other angels waiting to receive 
them inside the silver gates. 

As she approached, the guardians of the gates greeted 
her with smiles of strange sweetness, and one, pushing 
ajar the silver gates, said: “Would you care to walk 
in the King’s garden?” Then Editha beheld, enchanted, 
a most magnificent and glorious garden, in which chaste 
white lilies grew in lavish profusion. Many beautiful 
shady walks led round and through this choice wealth of 
blossoms, the exquisite perfume from which filled Editha 
with so extreme a delight that even to recall it in future 
years caused her to shed tears. Delighted at the pros- 
pect of still nearer viewing and exploring this superb 
garden, she gratefully accepted the invitation and passed 
through the silver gates. She now saw many angels oc- 
cupied in emptying the contents of the golden phials 
about the roots of many of the lilies. Some received 
but a small share, while others, it seemed to Editha, were 
being tended unceasingly. 

As she walked on she could not but observe that each 
lily, great or small, was perfect in its form and spotless 
in its whiteness, but those that received the greater con- 
tents of the phials were more drooping or less fragrant 
than the others. 

She was wondering meditatively why, if this was the 
result, the angels should so unceasingly pursue their oc- 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


73 


cupation, when a gentle touch on her hand attracted her, 
and looking down she beheld a lovely little child smiling 
up at her. The child’s face was so bewitching in its art- 
less simplicity and innocent beauty that Editha forgot 
the lovely blossoms around her at sight of the living 
flower, so much more interesting and beautiful than they. 

“Are you come?” asked the child with its winning 
smile, “to see the King’s lilies?” 

“Yes,” replied Editha, smiling also. “They are very 
beautiful, aren’t they?” 

“Ah, yes !” said the child, looking round at the bloom- 
ing garden, and gazing lingeringly at the lovely, busy 
angels. “Yes, they are beautiful; but I am glad I have 
finished being a lily !” 

Editha gazed at the lovely child, with its rosy cheeks, 
bright eyes and quaint speech. “How, my darling?” she 
queried. “I don’t think I quite know what you mean.” 

“You see,” said the child, slipping its hand confidingly 
into hers and smiling again, “I am no longer one of the 
King’s lilies. I am now his little child, and I am going 
home to live with him to-day. Oh! you can’t think,” it 
continued excitedly, “how delightful it is to be at home 
with the King! Even when he walked in the garden, as 
he does sometimes, we were all so glad and happy we for- 
got we were only his flowers and had still, perhaps, to 
wait a long time before he took us home to live with 
him.” 

Editha sat down on a mossy knoll and took the child 
on her lap. “Do tell me all about it, darling,” she said. 
“I am so interested.” 

The child nestled its curly head against Editha. “Your 
face is kind, like those of the angels,” it said, “so I am 
sure I may tell you, for the King won’t mind. I was a 
little child before I was a lily, too,” and she opened her 


74 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


eyes wide to enjoy the expression of interest and won- 
derment on Editha’s face. “That was when I lived on 
the earth with my own mother, and I — I died, you know, 
like little children do sometimes. And the garden angels 
were waiting for me, and they curled their wings about 
me and brought me to the garden, and there I saw the 
King for the first time. He was waiting to see me. Oh !” 
said the child, breaking off in ecstacy. “How lovely and 
kind he was ! And he took me in his arms and kissed 
me and loved me, and I hoped I was always going to stay 
with him, when I heard him say to the garden angels : 

“ ‘I am sorry I cannot take her home yet, but must 
leave her in the garden for a while.’ 

“And then,” continued the child, “the angels all bowed 
low down, and one said : ‘Alas, Sire ! already have we 
twelve phials for this wee flower !’ Then the King 
kissed me again, and I found I was a beautiful lily grow- 
ing in the garden, and the angels were emptying golden 
phials upon me, just as you see them doing now to the 
other lilies. Those golden vases are full of the tears 
people shed when we die, you know; and as long as any 
one cries for us we can’t go home to the King, although 
we are still his lilies. Then,” continued the child glee- 
fully, “I was a lily such a long time the angels began to 
think I should be a lily so long I should never get home 
to the King, and they were so sorry for me that they 
called the Night Angel once as he was passing to the earth 
and told him all about me. The Night Angel, you know,” 
informed the child, with its artless, gleeful smile, “is 
all covered with stars and has a face like silver. And 
he was sorry for me, too, because he looked so grave, and 
I heard him say I looked drooping and he would tell 
my mamma all about me that night and ask her not to 
grieve so much. And the angels have never had any 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


75 


more tears for me,” it went on in its delighted glee; 
“and after they had waited a few days they came and 
told me they had to get me ready to go home to the King, 
and here I am — and oh ! oh ! I believe there is the King 
coming!” 

Then in the distance Editha beheld a cloud of golden 
haze, but to her eyes it was impenetrable. Some of the 
Garden Angels hastened up and took the lovely child 
by the hand. 

“Good-bye !” called the happy, laughing little one. 
“Some day the King will come for you, too. Good-bye !” 
And even as Editha would fain have answered her the 
golden cloud approached nearer and she fell down in 
awe and wonderment and hid her face, and when she 
again looked up the radiant cloud, the angels and the win- 
some child, together with the lily garden, had vanished 
out of sight. 

A gray vapor now seemed to hang about the earth, 
and as Editha wandered on, vaguely wondering which 
direction she should pursue, sounds of gay music and 
bright laughter arose near her, and at the same time the 
encompassing cloud dispersed, disclosing to her eyes a 
charming and sylvan scene. In a large and finely timbered 
park were groups of merry youths and maidens, dancing 
gaily or otherwise merrily disporting themselves. Sev- 
eral charming and winsome girls, very little older than 
Editha, were dressed fantastically as shepherdesses or 
nymphs, or were crowned with poppy wreaths and wore 
girdles of wild flowers. Many handsome youths were 
playing on flutes and harps, to the glad strains of which 
the laughing dancers kept step. From time to time, 
amid the revelry of dance and mirth arose snatches of 
wild, careless song, the refrain of which was wafted to 
Editha on the balmy breezes : 


76 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


“Come join the dance, and mirth enhance, 

Nor ever dream of sorrow; 

We live to-day, all glad and gay, 

Nor care about to-morrow. 

Pass time in pleasure, you and I, 

To-day we live! To-morrow die!” 

Then even as Editha gazed, wondering and pleased, 
at the gay, happy scene she was espied by a dancing 
maiden who immediately attracted the attention of her 
companions to the stranger at the gates. 

“How came you to pass this way?” queried a black- 
eyed shepherdess, running to Editha, embracing her, 
and drawing her inside. 

Then Editha’s thoughts returned to the beautiful face 
of the Golden Knight, as she had watched it as he 
caressed the innocent, trusting doves flying around him, 
and something suddenly seemed to displease her in the 
scene before her. The laughter sounded harsh, and the 
notes from the harps clashed in strange, distressing dis- 
cords. She drew slightly away from the lingering em- 
brace of the poppy-wreathed shepherdess and said 
gently: “I have journeyed hither to seek the Golden 
Knight who bears upon his finger the ring of Everlast- 
ing Happiness.” 

For a moment a hush fell over all at Editha’s words ; 
then the gay maidens surrounded her and in laughing 
accents said: “Oh, foolish girl! No longer follow so 
vain and mad a quest. Know, know that each one of us, 
too, once started on the same wild journey. But with time 
Wisdom whispered to each, ‘Tarry, tarry while 
ye may, and dance and sing and be glad !’ So we reached 
the Garden of Pleasure, and here we mean to abide. Oh, 
Editha! be wise too. Tarry, tarry while ye may, and be 
glad and sing and rejoice.” As they finished speaking 
the musicians again struck up their gay, giddy strains, 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


77 


and the maidens sang again the song the refrain of 
which the breezes had wafted to her outside the gates. 

“Stay, stay!” pleaded the gay maidens. 

“Stay, stay!” whispered the handsome youths. 

But the memory of the calm, beautiful face of the 
Golden Knight was too intense. As Editha gazed around 
at the beautiful maidens, with the light of that spiritual 
face to guide her instincts and mirror her judgments, 
she recognized their frivolity and shallowness. The lan- 
guishing glances of the dark and careless youths filled 
her with a subtle sense of loathing and disgust. Her 
whole instinct was to fly this gay and worldly company 
and gain once more the peace and solitude of the wide 
green plain, with its flash of crystal gliding stream. She 
felt that somewhere under the calm of the blue sky — 
whether illumined by glancing sunbeams or misty moon- 
beams slanting silver through the gloom, where the night 
winds sang mournfully and chanted languorous psalms 
— she might find him whom she sought ; but in the pres- 
ence of these gay youths and maidens, amid the revelry 
of their dance and the wantonness of their song, never ! 

She waved them off impatiently. “Adieu ! adieu !” 
she cried. “Please do not delay me. I cannot stay with 
you; my time is precious.” Then before they could 
seize her and stop her she had hastened out of the gate, 
but their loud mocking laughter followed her long on her 
way. 

She was now on a sandy desert waste. The sun 
scorched her pitilessly, and the burning sand wounded 
and hurt her feet, which were now quite bare and un- 
protected, her stockings and soft leather sandals having 
long ago worn away. 

She was parched with thirst, which at last grew so 


78 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


intense that it overmastered every other feeling, and the 
brave girl felt she must really lie down and await one 
of the most terrible of deaths. But, even as her courage 
failed, the sound of a bird’s soft song floated towards her ; 
a gentle breeze suddenly arose, carrying the welcome 
scent of luscious fruits and the glorious babbling of falling 
water. With a supreme effort she stumbled on, and 
guided by the sound, at last reached the delightful glen 
from which all these hopeful and helpful sounds had 
proceeded. 

A murmuring stream into which a tiny waterfall un- 
ceasingly emptied itself hurried along. Near its banks 
lofty palm trees threw their welcome shade, and on the 
ground a wealth of flowers and fruit grew in wild lux- 
uriance. Editha drank eagerly of the water, and after 
bathing her bruised, torn feet, reclined under the trees, 
and, as night had fallen, slept until dawn. 

Awaking at break of day, she beheld that which sent 
the blood coursing tumultuously through her veins and 
caused for the time a sensation of giddiness, so 
extreme was the emotion and delight she felt, for, 
winding softly along over the green glade stretching far 
beyond, intoning a never-ceasing song of praise, was a 
river of golden water, which Editha recognized at once 
as part of that same golden stream on the banks of which 
she had beheld the Golden Knight. 

Exultant, and with the tears of great joy running 
down her face, she hastened towards it. She felt now 
she had only to follow its course to reach at last that 
wondrous Knight and receive from him the reward of 
her patience and perseverance. 

Entranced, she sat upon the mossy banks and gazed 
at the glorious waters below, and listened with ecstatic 
delight to its paean of triumph and victory. 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


79 


So she might have gazed and listened, only a familiar 
sound aroused her from her delicious reverie. The soft 
plashing of oars attracted her attention, and raising her 
eyes she saw a boat encrusted with pearls gliding over 
the water towards her. Seated in the boat were two 
maidens of the purest type of beauty, with countenances 
benign and lovely, whose golden hair floated on the 
breeze and fell in curling ringlets on their snow-white 
robes. As they neared Editha they stayed the boat for 
a moment and, with radiant smiles, they called to the 
entranced girl : “Wait but an hour, and on our return 
we will bear thee with us to the One thou seekest.” Then 
the pearly boat again passed on, and Editha watched it 
and its lovely occupants rapturously until it passed from 
her sight. 

A long-drawn sigh at the same instant caused her to 
turn her head. Standing a little way behind her she 
saw an old man with hoary locks, and oh! so weary a 
countenance. His lined face was benevolent and austere, 
seared with the care and hardships of many years* He 
looked at Editha in the glowing gladness of her bright 
and hopeful maidenhood with his kind, tired old eyes. 

“Beautiful, wasn’t it?” he sighed. 

“Yes, yes !” cried Editha. “And do you know, upon 
their return I accompany them ! They are going to take 
me to the Golden Knight. The Golden Knight! Just 
think!” 

He smiled at her, a beautiful, patient smile. 

“I am glad,” he said. “You are fortunate. And so 
young, too. Happy, happy girl!” 

The wistfulness of his tone struck Editha. “Do you 
know the Golden Knight?” she queried. 

The light gleamed in his tired old eyes. “Know him !” 
he cried. “I saw him once in a vision when I was a 


80 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


youth — ah ! many, many years ago. And I set out at 
once to seek him, and at last, after much tribulation, I 
reached this river, and they” — he nodded in the direc- 
tion of the vanished boat of pearls — “came to fetch me.” 

“And why didn’t you go?” asked Editha, with eyes 
wide open in wonderment. 

The eyes of the old man were blinded with tears, and 
his voice was husky as he replied: “While they were 
gone down the stream I — I discovered these others, and 
— and, how could I leave them?” he cried, his voice ris- 
ing like the swell of a mighty wind. 

And whilst a great awe fell upon her he took Editha’s 
hand and led her to the mouth of a great cavern she had 
not before espied, and from which arose a soft mur- 
muring sigh, as the hushed prayers of many in great 
tribulation; and peering in, she beheld it filled with 
those who are the outcasts of the earth, derided and 
spurned, hated and scorned, for those upon whom she 
gazed were lepers. 

“How could I leave them?” cried her companion again. 
“I in my youth, so healthy and strong, and they so help- 
less and suffering. Ah!” — he stretched out his arms 
towards that cavern of sighs — “they are now to me as 
children, but I am old and have passed my allotted years. 
My children ! my beloved ! Who will care for thee 
when I am gone?” 

Then Editha took his hand, and she knew her face 
was wet with tears; and when the pearly boat returned 
she helped the radiant, happy old man in. “I will stay,” 
she whispered, “and look after those who are to you as 
children, for I am youthful and strong. And they, too, 
shall be my beloved.” And after watching the path of 
the gleaming boat until the last gentle ripple made in 
the water by its smooth homeward course had vanished, 


THE GOLDEN KNIGHT 


81 


with illumined countenance and smiling lips she returned 
to the Cavern of Sighs and gave up her quest of the 
Golden Knight. 

And here she abided, and toiled and soothed, and com- 
forted and healed and consoled, until she, too, grew very 
very old, and her once smooth skin was harsh and lined, 
her brow wrinkled and her hair gray. And one day, 
feeling more tired and exhausted than usual, she went 
to rest for an hour on the banks of the golden stream. 
And as she watched its gently flowing current she per- 
ceived coming towards her a grand and glorious craft. 
An immense glowing water lily drawn by eight superb 
golden swans; and on this beautiful vessel, guiding the 
course of the noble birds, stood one on whom her heart 
had ever dreamed and pondered. Stately and beautiful 
and grand, clad in a suit of golden armor, he urged on- 
ward with gentle accents the gliding birds. And when 
they reached Editha he stayed their course, and bending 
forward, he caught her in his arms and placed her in 
the perfumed heart of the boat. 

“I have waited long for you, Editha,” he cried in 
penetrating accents, “and, beloved, as you came not, I 
came for you.” Then he placed upon her finger a gleam- 
ing circlet which he removed from his own hand ; and 
guiding the stately swans up the golden stream, he took 
her to abide with him forever in the golden kingdom 
beyond, 


82 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


Ages ago, long before the first rays of light from the 
most distant star had ever reached this planet, there 
existed far beyond the Milky Way a most wonderful 
kingdom. The reason why this kingdom was so won- 
derful was because all its inhabitants lived together in 
the greatest unity and peace. Quarrelling, jealousy and 
discord, hate, malice and envy were alike unknown, 
while sin and sorrow had never entered this beautiful 
land beyond the Milky Way. 

This kingdom was ruled by a great and powerful 
king, Apha, who was loved and trusted by his people 
as perhaps no other monarch has ever been. At this time 
the whole kingdom was exulting and rejoicing over the 
birth of the king’s only child, a daughter, whom the 
proud parents had named Anesta. The event caused 
such universal delight that every existing fairy deter- 
mined to visit Apha’s kingdom and bestow a gift upon 
the baby princess. 

So, as each fairy arrived in the kingdom beyond the 
Milky Way, she at once kissed the tiny Anesta and be- 
stowed upon her with the kiss some marvelous token of 
her regard. The fairy who ruled the great Kingdom of 
Fire took from the lightning fiery golden tresses for the 
wee maiden, and placed a soft, ever-glowing radiance 
within her eyes. The Fairy of Melody breathed into 
the baby princess the spirit of music. The Fairy of 
Motion touched the baby with her wand and bestowed 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


83 


upon her the gift of swift and graceful movement. Other 
fairies gave to her beautiful coloring, sweet smiles and 
intellectual gifts; but the last fairy of all, clad in a sil- 
very, shadowy, mysterious garment, kissed the princess 
slowly and half-reluctantly, for she was the Fairy of 
Dreams, and whoever she kissed — although her presence 
would ever breathe rest and contentment — would dream 
a dream one day which would be for her happiness or 
woe, which of the two even the fairy herself was pow- 
erless to know. 

The Princess Anesta, as may be imagined, after being 
the recipient of so lavish and rare gifts, grew into a 
maiden of ravishing loveliness. With her bright tresses 
of fiery gold, her marvelously glowing blue eyes, the per- 
fection of coloring on her lips and cheek, the delightful 
and exquisite fragrance emanating from her as she 
breathed, and her ideal form and grace of motion, she 
was the idol of all with whom she came in contact. The 
Sun-god himself loved her with paternal devotion and 
lavished many gifts upon her, among them being a 
glorious comet with a long fiery tail, which Anesta used 
as a steed and upon which she traversed her father’s 
kingdom, and often paid visits to dominions remote from 
his. 

One day Anesta, tired of dancing and singing with her 
maidens in the beautiful gardens of the palace, evaded 
for once the watchful eyes of her companions and es- 
caped into the adjoining forest. Delighted at the rare 
and pleasing sensation of being entirely alone, she wan- 
dered on through the forest, calling softly to the many 
creatures she met. Chasing the squirrel, stroking the 
wild doe, racing the slender gazelle and peering into 
the wood pigeon’s nest, she passed at length from the 
forest and entered a large green meadow, gay with 


84 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


numberless and many-hued flowers from which the 
quietly droning bees were sipping the intoxicating nectar, 
and from among which the lark arose with wild paeans of 
song, entrancing his tiny mate hid in her snug nest in the 
flowering mead. Her delight in her surroundings and 
the unwonted luxury of being unattended enhancing 
her pleasure, Anesta wandered across this fair pasture 
until she came to a rippling stream of water winding be- 
tween shock-headed silver pollards and pale-green weep- 
ing willows. Here exquisite pink and white dog roses 
grew in wildest profusion, bending in pardonable vanity 
to view themselves in the clear water, some even al- 
lowing the river to drink of their honeyed breath, paling 
and blushing anon at the amorous caresses the south- 
ern breezes lavished upon them. Here, too, the water 
was dazzlingly glistening and golden with the entangled 
sunbeams held in sway and reluctant to free themselves 
from the embraces of the ravished stream. 

Entranced and well-nigh inebriated with the manifold 
charms of nature by which she was surrounded, Anesta 
reclined on the velvet sward, and resting her head on a 
bed of moss, soothed by the musical voices of bird, in- 
sect, wind and water, she fell asleep. And here in this 
charmed recess she dreamed the dream and fulfilled the 
destiny allotted her when kissed by the Fairy of Dreams. 

She dreamed she was riding on Spread-Fire, the 
comet, and laughing merrily because on so wonderful a 
steed she had far outstripped the courtiers and ladies 
attending her, and whom she had left far behind. Dis- 
mounting to rest and wait for them, Anesta noted, as 
she had often before done (viewing the scene, as it 
were, from a high mountain), a wide, broad path of 
milky white, and a wild impulse seized her to reach 
and explore this strange glistening road and discover 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


85 


whence it led. Making her wishes known to Spread- 
Fire and again mounting him, she bade the reluctant 
steed carry her swiftly to the path. 

Spread-Fire reluctantly obeyed his young mistress, and 
after traveling with remarkable rapidity, flashing through 
the air like a meteor, he paused, and Anesta, alighting, 
found her feet resting on the brilliant pebbles which 
formed the road she had noticed. 

Bidding Spread-Fire await her return, she fearlessly 
and with some excitement followed the winding path 
until she reached the precincts of a kingdom the like 
of which she had never imagined. 

Barren and desolate, it filled her soul with dismay. 
No giant trees reared here their lofty heads and whis- 
pered in the breeze. No fertile fields, flowering meads, 
green glens or wooded glebes here cheered the weary 
wayfarer. No sounds of droning bees or singing birds, 
or voices which proceed from well-stocked farms, or rush- 
ing waters moved by busy mills, here broke the solemn 
and unhappy silence. 

Anesta was aghast, for she felt she had arrived in a 
land of famine, woe and want. That this barren region 
was inhabited she could plainly tell. Many miserable 
houses of mud were erected, and in the distance even 
the turrets of a stately castle could be seen. As Anesta 
drew nearer some of the unhappy inhabitants of the 
houses came out. At the sight of their emaciated, drawn 
and peevish countenances Anesta drew back alarmed and 
horrified, for she had never beheld poverty and sorrow 
in any form before. She feared to get too near, lest at- 
tention should be called to her presence, therefore their 
conversation did not reach her; but the fierce gestures 
of the men, the weeping supplications of the women, the 
frightened faces of the little children, did not escape her 


86 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


attentive eye, and she felt things were even more terrible 
with them than their pinched and starved counte- 
nances and attenuated forms had shown. 

Seizing the first opportunity of passing these wretched 
people unseen, Anesta made her way to the castle. The 
surroundings here were no better than those of the mis- 
erable hovels below. A few tired soldiers were sleeping 
outside the gates, forgetting in the exhaustion of the 
moment the cruel pangs of want. Other sign of life 
about the castle she could see none, until a large window, 
open to the ground, attracted her attention. Creeping 
softly to it, Anesta peered in. 

She beheld a fine large apartment, which had evidently 
once been the state-room of the castle. Seated in 
a large carved oaken chair was an old white-haired lady. 
Handsome of feature and queenly of mien, but oh ! the 
awful expression of despair upon that once benign and 
lovely face. Drawn and haggard, with lips tightly 
closed, as if to keep back the expressions of despair 
that hung so closely behind them. But the sight which 
riveted Anesta’s attention was that of the figure oppo- 
site. 

A young man, handsome as the Sun-god himself ; 
kingly, as became the son of a long line of kings ; brave, 
as became the last of a race of warriors, but with, alas! 
the same expression of unutterable woe on his face. The 
agony of his mind showed in the involuntary twitching 
of his brow, the tense lips and clenched hands. At last 
he spoke: “Mother,” he said, “I must cross the ocean 
and visit Charlos, the King of Ldos, and beg of him 
a loan of corn and food. My land, my beloved country, 
always more or less barren, but still beloved, is ravaged 
by drought and famine. Alas, my people! My poor 
people!” So saying, it seemed his brave spirit could 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


87 


bear no more, and leaning his splendid head upon his 
arms, he wept 

The sad face of the old lady twitched convulsively 
as she watched her son, then rising, she crossed to him 
and tenderly smoothed his thick waving brown hair. 

And at this moment Anesta awoke and found herself 
by the laughing, chattering river, amid the droning bees, 
the nodding flowers, drowsy under the midday sun, and 
a group of glad, laughing maidens, happy at discovering 
their truant princess. 

But Anesta could not forget her dream. Sleeping or 
waking, the memory of that handsome and unhappy 
prince remained with her. Ofttimes her heart longed 
to comfort him, to take to him of the wealth and luxury 
and plenty with which she was surrounded; and she 
would see in imagination the glad smile rise to his face ; 
his happiness in the prosperity of his kingdom; and, 
above all, the light in his eyes when he looked at her as 
the author of his joy. For Anesta loved her dream- 
prince with a great and deep affection that could never 
die. 

As time passed on the desire to again behold him be- 
came so great that she determined to make the Sun- 
god her confidant and ask him if such a kingdom and 
prince really existed as the one of which she had 
dreamed; for she knew the Sun-god loved her sincerely 
and would do all he could to increase her happiness. But 
she was not prepared for the sorrow with which he re- 
ceived her story. “Alas, my pretty child !” he said. 
“Why has such a fate overtaken you?” 

At his words Anesta smiled, for she knew by them 
that her dream-prince and his kingdom were no phan- 
tasies of a sleeping brain, but existing realities. 


88 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


She petitioned and begged until the Sun-god told her 
their names and directed her how to reach them. “The 
name of the Prince is Hubare. He has a heart of gold, 
is brave as a lion and true as steel,” said the Sun-god. 
“But alas, child! Once you dwell in his kingdom, re- 
member you can never, never again return hither.” 

“But I would give up everything I possess for Hu- 
bare!” cried Anesta, the light of heroic love illuminating 
her exquisite countenance. 

“I hope, dearest child, you will never be called upon 
to give up everything,” sighed the Sun-god. Then he 
bade her an affectionate farewell, and Anesta hastened 
home to make her decision known to her parents. 

They received the news with great consternation and 
at first bitterly opposed Anesta’s departure, but at last, 
finding their beloved child’s future happiness was con- 
centrated upon it, they gave a reluctant consent and 
Anesta, seated upon Spread-Fire, bade them farewell, 
and once again was carried through the air until she 
reached the brilliant pebble path which led to Hubare’s 
kingdom. Here she dismissed Spread-Fire for the last 
time and, her memory serving her well, she made her 
way through the barren and unhappy land, unseen and 
unaided, until she stood at the castle itself, immediately 
beside the open window through which she had first be- 
held Hubare. Hitherto all had happened exactly as in 
her dream, but now as she peered into the depths of the 
spacious apartment a wave of disappointment and sor- 
row swept over her, for the Queen was sitting in her 
carven chair alone. 

For a short time Anesta stood and gazed at the sor- 
rowful white-haired old lady, noting the ravages grief, 
anxiety, and even hunger, had wrought on a countenance 
which must once have been so lovely and joyous. Then 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


89 


raising her hand, she timidly tapped on the window- 
frame. 

At the unexpected sound the Queen lifted her sad 
eyes, and then sat half-petrified with wonder at the vis- 
ion before her. 

Anesta stood, a maiden regal, slender, and graceful 
as a young fawn, buoyant with youth and health, and 
aglow with her wonderful beauty. She was simply clad 
in a soft white robe which revealed the exquisite grace 
of her perfectly molded limbs. Her locks of spun gold 
glistened in the luster and glory of their flaming curls; 
her grand eyes, glowing with love and the deep-seated 
radiance which they ever held, looked out from the deli- 
cately chiseled face, from the parted lips of which the 
perfumed breath distilled sweet fragrance around. After 
gazing at Anesta in half-stupefied astonishment, the 
Queen somewhat recovered her usual calm dignity of 
manner and rising, bowed to Anesta, exclaiming: “Oh, 
pardon me, I beg! Your presence was so unexpected. 
Will you not enter and show that you forgive my unwit- 
ting rudeness ?” 

Anesta entered as requested, bestowing as she did 
so one of her radiant smiles upon the old Queen, who 
could not take her eyes off the lovely young stranger. 

“How came you hither?” she asked, placing Anesta 
in her own oaken chair. “Such beauty has been reared 
in kindlier climes than ours. Surely, pretty one, thou art 
a nursling of the Sun-queen herself? and fairies only 
can have sung thy lullabys. Perchance even you are 
a fairy child who has wandered and lost her way. Oth- 
erwise I see not why you should visit this most unhappy 
land.” 

“I am not a fairy child,” replied Anesta, while the old 
Queen listened entranced to the dulcet sounds flowing 


90 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


like the rippling of silver water from the girl’s red lips, 
“and I am not lost. I traveled to this land of my own 
desire; and I beg you will not send me away,” she added 
pleadingly. 

Then she told the Queen the story of her infancy, of 
her father’s fairy guests and their gifts to her; and of 
the beautiful, fertile kingdom with its wealth and glory 
of flowers, fruits and grain she had just left. 

“I cannot understand why you left so beautiful a 
home to come hither to this bleak and famine-stricken 
land !” cried the Queen. 

And seeing the wonder in her face, Anesta told the 
old lady of her dream and how she had beheld them 
through the open window, and how her heart had melted 
in sympathy and sorrow for them. 

Hearing these words, a wonderfully softened expres- 
sion shone in the Queen’s eyes. Rising, she placed her 
hands on Anesta’s shoulders and gazed deeply into the 
girl’s eyes. 

“It is because you saw Hubare, and for his sake you 
came hither?” she said. And Anesta flinched not as she 
gazed back in the Queen’s eyes and simply answered, 
“Yes.” 

For a space they stood thus facing each other, then 
the Queen queried: “And how do you think, my child, 
your presence here can help Hubare ? As it is even now, 
we can scarcely find food for ourselves and our poor 
people. Hubare has already started to the Kingdom of 
Charlos to petition a loan of grain and food. Until his 
return we have scarcely enough to keep life in us, and 
your presence here means still another mouth to fill.” 

At these straight and apparently heartless words the 
beautiful face of Anesta blanched and her hands flut- 
tered on her breast. The old Queen saw the emotion 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


91 


and dismay with which her speech had filled the young 
girl, and gathering her tenderly in her arms, she said: 
“Nay, nay, pretty one, fret not! It is in your power to 
save us all, if you but will.” 

Then Anesta, trembling and excited, clasped the 
Queen’s neck and implored her to say how she could 
bring about so happy and desirable a result. 

The Queen again placed her in the large oaken chair 
and gazed with long and loving admiration at her. Then 
half-reluctantly she spoke: 

“Ah, sweet one! It would mean such a sacrifice to 
you.” 

“I do not mind any sacrifice if I can but help Hubare, 
and save his people and kingdom for him!” cried the 
girl. “Only tell me what you desire of me.” The Queen 
then took up a pair of sharp scissors which lay near the 
tapestry frame her once busy fingers had been wont to 
ply, and moving to Anesta’s side, she said in eager, yet 
half-shamed accents : “Dear girl, you say your locks 
were a fairy’s gift. If so, and you would but part with 
them, they would prove the first step toward Hubare’s 
prosperity.” 

“Oh, take them ! take them !” cried Anesta. “I do not 
need them. Hasten, I pray, and cut them from my head, 
if only they may help him as you say, though how I can- 
not see.” 

So with steady hand the Queen clipped off the beau- 
tiful ringlets from the girl’s shapely head, and they fell 
in a tangled heap of fiery gold at her feet. Anesta had 
lost one of her most glorious charms. 

Gathering them up carefully, the Queen bade Anesta 
await her return and left the room holding the glisten- 
ing, flaming locks close to her breast, as if they were the 
greatest treasures in the universe. Anesta, left alone, 


92 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


gave no thought to her vanished charms, but, tired with 
her long journey and the various emotions she had ex- 
perienced, and lulled by the extreme quietness and dull- 
ness of the room, she fell into a long and dreamless 
sleep. 

Meanwhile the Queen, calling two of her most trust- 
worthy and loyal servants, passed out from the palace 
and over the surrounding fields; and as she went, in 
every place barren, wild and dry, she dropped a long 
fiery golden thread from Anesta’s beautiful hair. So 
she rapidly traveled on and on until every silken thread 
had gone. Night had fallen when she returned to the 
palace, and finding Anesta still asleep, she seated herself 
near and watched with tender affection the sleeping girl 
until, weary and exhausted, she closed her eyes and slum- 
bered, too. 

In the morning a great exulting cry from without the 
palace awakened both sleepers, and rushing to the win- 
dow they looked out. And behold! in place of barren, 
dry and sandy wastes the land was glorious with yellow 
corn-fields, golden and ripe for the sickle’s blade. Red 
gold masses of wheat stood side by side with paler barley 
and kingly heads of yellow maize. Such a harvest had 
never before been seen in Hubare’s desolate kingdom. 
Beyond there stretched long green pastures in which the 
few surviving cattle were reveling with pathetic glee. 
In every direction ran the people, half-frenzied with the 
joy and blessing of so sudden and marvelous a phe- 
nomenon. 

“See, my child!” cried the old Queen, with tears of 
sheer delight running down her wrinkled, care-worn 
cheeks, as, turning, she clasped the astonished Anesta 
in her arms. “See what has happened through your 
fairy locks. Tell me, as you behold this scene, if any 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 93 

regret remains in your heart for the loss of your beau- 
tiful tresses.” 

“Ah, no, no ! none whatever !” exclaimed Anesta. “Is 
it possible I have been the happy cause of so much 
gladness ?” 

“Aye ! Think what will Hubare say when he returns 
and views this wealth of corn, this prosperous harvest!” 
said the Queen. 

A strange, soft gladness filled Anesta’s heart at her 
words. 

“I am so glad!” she said. “I would willingly give up 
far more to bring happiness and joy to him, and free 
him from the fearful anxieties and cares which have so 
long encompassed him.” 

The Queen turned, and with a , half-wild gesture 
clutched the girl’s arm. “Child! I dare not ask any 
farther sacrifice of you, I dare not! It would be cruel, 
selfish!” 

Anesta looked at her with face aglow and trembling 
with emotion. 

“Tell me now, tell me truly,” she demanded, “is there 
aught else I can do for Hubare? You are his mother 
and love him. Fate has decreed that my heart is his, 
although he knows me not. We are both, therefore, willing 
to do all we can for his sake and that of his kingdom 
and people. Tell me at once, then, what other thing I 
possess which may bring him happiness.” 

“We need water,” said the Queen; “clear, running, 
sparkling water, and plenty of it. If, child, you were 
willing to give up forever the beautiful grace of motion 
the fairy gave you, this would be ours.” 

“Oh, take it, take!” cried Anesta, without even paus- 
ing to think. 

“You must come, then, with me,” said the Queen; and 


94 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


taking Anesta’s hand, she led her through the golden 
corn-fields and green pastures, and from each of 
Anesta’s footsteps there flowed a limpid stream, which 
meeting, formed a graceful, glistening river, which, when 
the people saw, they shouted in wild delight, and bathed 
and laved themselves, and drank thirstily of its clear, 
cool waters. 

But when the Queen saw how beautiful and prosper- 
ous her beloved son’s kingdom was becoming, a strange 
greed seized her, and she longed to see it perfect 
in loveliness and prosperity. And finding how deep and 
true was Anesta’s affection for the absent Hubare, she 
one by one received from the unselfish girl the fairies’ 
gifts. Taking the perfumed breath exhaled by Anesta 
and the marvelous coloring of her lips and cheeks, she 
caused sweet flowers to grow, enchanting the senses with 
their exquisite tints and honeyed fragrance. And last 
she said: “Ah, Anesta, one thing only remains to make 
my son’s kingdom the most beautiful of any kingdom 
existing.” 

“And what is that?” asked Anesta, eager as of old to 
enhance Hubare’s possessions if it lay in her power. 
“Can I help you?” 

The Queen looked at the pale face and colorless lips 
of the young girl, and noticed the straight yellow wisps 
of hair where once the fiery luster of golden curls had 
so gloriously sparkled and gleamed, and the halting step 
and drooping mien where once was such agile and de- 
lightful grace, and a pang smote her heart at the thought 
of still further despoiling the devoted creature beside 
her; but because she loved Hubare more she hardened 
her heart and drove the softened feeling away. 

“I have been thinking, Anesta, how sweet it must be 
to hear sounds such as those you have often described 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


95 


to me of your old home. Here our birds are sullen and 
quiet; our insects make no sound as they move from 
flower to flower ; and the winds themselves are silent, 
even when we feel their caresses against our cheeks or 
see by the movements of the leaves on the trees and the 
waving grasses in the meadows that they are present.” 

“And what do you desire?” asked Anesta faintly, for 
an intuition seized her of what the Queen would ask, and 
for the first time her heart rebelled. 

“Your beautiful voice, the very sound of which rav- 
ishes the senses,” said the Queen, unobservant of the re- 
bellion in Anesta’s eyes. 

“My voice !” echoed the girl, the feeling of faintness 
increasing. “Oh, don’t take that from me!” she peti- 
tioned pitifully. “Anything but that.” 

“It is only for Hubare’s sake that I asked you,” replied 
the Queen in an injured tone. “Of course, if you feel 
any reluctance we won’t mention the subject again. I 
should not like you to give up anything save of 
your own free will. Say no more about it.” 

Anesta thought of Hubare’s kind and sorrowful face 
as she had seen it once in her dream, and the desire 
of beholding it illuminated with pleasure and delight at 
the unexpected prosperities and marvelously developed 
beauties of his kingdom moved her intensely. No, she 
could not withhold one joy from him which it was in 
her power to bestow. In quiet, resigned accents she 
said: “Take it and do as you will.” 

Then the Queen took the maiden’s exquisite voice 
which had been bestowed upon her by the Fairy of 
Music, and immediately the air was filled with melody. 
The breezes sang in the forests, and the forests re-echoed 
their wonderful songs. Sweet-throated birds carolled 
from every tree enthralling, wordless songs. The insects 


96 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


softly droned their artless melodies as they hovered 
over the flowers or flitted on the surface of the winding 
river. 

Hubare’s kingdom was now indeed perfect, but An- 
esta was dumb. All that remained to her now of her 
once manifold charms was the soft, radiant glow in her 
blue eyes. 

Hubare soon heard of the transformation of his be- 
loved kingdom and hastened to return to it. The King 
of Ldos, hearing of it too, was curious to behold the 
scene of so marvelous a prodigy and accompanied him, 
bringing also his daughter Ellalaine, who was very beau- 
tiful, and whom Charlos hoped Hubare would make his 
queen. 

But although Ellalaine was lovely and stately, 
as became the daughter of a king, and was tenderly de- 
voted to Hubare, he loved her not; although, as he ad- 
mired her more than any maiden he had ever met, he de- 
termined, when they arrived at his home, that if his 
kingdom should be in the prosperous condition he was 
given to expect, and his mother received the Princess 
affectionately, he would ask her to be his bride. But 
the Queen wept when she heard of the arrival of the 
lovely Ellalaine, for the dearest desire of her heart was 
that Hubare should wed the devoted and virtuous girl 
who had sacrificed so much for him. 

As for Anesta, she seated herself in the turret win- 
dow, whence she could witness unobserved the arrival 
of the royal party. And when she beheld Ellalaine in 
all the glory of her charming maidenhood she hid her- 
self and refused to appear even to greet Hubare; to 
whom his mother dare not mention a word about An- 
esta, for she feared his wrath and indignation if he 
should hear of the sacrifices the girl had been called 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


97 


upon to make for his sake. But consent to his marriage 
with the Princess Ellalaine she would not. 

‘‘No, no, my son!” she would say. “She is at best a 
shallow creature. Had your kingdom been in the same 
deplorable condition it was but a few short weeks ago 
she would not have deigned to glance at you.” And 
Hubare, while he gently chided his mother for her harsh- 
ness, felt her words were true, so, although he begged 
his royal guests to prolong their visit, did not press his 
suit. 

It happened one evening that Hubare was strolling 
quite alone by the riverside, when strains of sweetest 
music greeted his ears. Hastening to reach the spot 
whence the exquisite melody proceeded, he came upon a 
little bower formed of drooping ash trees. Seated upon a 
mossy stone he beheld a young girl, with pale and for- 
lorn features, playing upon a harp made of reeds from 
which the enchanting melody proceeded. 

Hearing his footsteps as he drew near the girl turned 
upon him a glance from the softest, most radiant eyes 
he had ever beheld. The startled, yet mellow, tender- 
ness of that glance enthralled him, and filled his soul 
with a sensation of divine tenderness and unutterable 
peace. 

The girl hastily stood up, and with halting footsteps 
turned away. Hubare’s great, chivalrous heart melted at 
the sight of her infirmity; she was so frail and slender, 
he was so big and strong. “Oh, do not go away be- 
cause of me, I beg!” he said. “Or at least allow me to 
carry your harp.” 

But with signs the girl made known to him that she 
was dumb and desired to be alone. 

Retracing his footsteps he returned to the palace, and 
at the first opportunity he asked his mother if she had 


98 


THE FAIRY OF DREAMS 


any knowledge who the young stranger so sadly afflicted, 
so sweet a musician and with such radiant eyes, could 
be; and he hid nothing from her, telling her of the great 
love which had filled his heart at the first glance of 
those gentle eyes. 

The Queen gave a great glad cry, and thereupon 
hastened and fetched Anesta from her chamber, and 
despite the girl’s anxious signs she told Hubare the 
whole story; and though his heart was sore at his 
mother’s doings, yet he rejoiced at being the recipient 
of so marvelous and unselfish a love, and he gathered 
Anesta in his protecting arms and whispered: “My 
Queen forever !” 

Shortly afterwards they were married; and, although 
always dumb, Anesta was able to use the great intel- 
lectual gifts given her by the fairies for the betterment 
of her husband’s kingdom. She showed him how mills 
should be erected on the rivers, and harbors constructed, 
and ships built, and many other useful and necessary 
things. And to this day Hubare’s kingdom is the most 
prosperous in the whole world. 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


99 


THE SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL. 


The wild, half-sorrowful, half-joyful melody of silver- 
throated bells awakened Elsa. What is it?” she pon- 
dered dreamily; and then, as more fully awake, memory 
returned, she sat up hastily and exclaimed: “Ah, yes! 
It is the new year. They have just tolled out the old 
year and are ringing in the new.” 

She sprang out of bed and went to the window. Draw- 
ing the thick curtains aside, she opened the low case- 
ment and looked out into the night. The air was full 
of the jangled music of the bells. Mingling with their 
harmony arose the half-fearful singing of the wind 
among the distant gray-hazed-cradled pine forests and 
the mournful echoing of the owl’s lugubrious voice. 

With a shadowy shimmer there gleamed beyond the 
star-silvered meadows the waters of an extensive lake 
in which the moon fondly viewed her calm and stately 
reflection, and the heavy purple-black shadows of the 
bordering mountains sullenly laved themselves. 

From the summit of one of these frowning mountains 
— which, rising in ponderous majesty, fain would have 
clasped to its snow-capped peaks the vast tract of heaven 
— Elsa beheld suddenly appear a nimbus of light caused 
neither by moon or stars. 

This nimbus brightened and spread so rapidly that 
before many seconds had passed the whole mountain 


100 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


was bathed in a halo of light, in the midst of which 
Elsa perceived a grey winding staircase reaching from 
summit to base, and coming down the stairs with fleet, 
buoyant footsteps, quite alone and unattended, was a 
little child. In an incredibly short time he had descended 
and crossed the glistening waters of the lake, from whose 
now gloriously illuminated waters the reflection of the 
startled and humiliated moon had disappeared. Im- 
mediately he had reached the shore the strange trembling 
arc of light faded, leaving the moon once more in un- 
disputed sway and majesty. 

Meanwhile the child moved onward with his glad, 
fleet footsteps, and ere Elsa had fully realized his rapid 
approach he stood under the casement from which she 
leaned. 

A beautiful child with shapely limbs and graceful 
mien, but whose face was hidden by an impenetrable 
veil woven in the looms of Eternity. 

“Elsa,” said the child, “I pause to speak to you. But 
I must hasten, for I dare not tarry.” 

“Who are you?” queried Elsa in profound astonish- 
ment. 

“Ah!” replied the child, “I may not tell you my name 
now. Some day perhaps you will know it, but not yet. 
I have here a gift for you, dear Elsa; a precious, beau- 
tiful gift. But if you take it, do, do promise me you 
will take care of it. It is so precious, promise me you 
will treasure it and use it most carefully.” 

“A gift !” cried Elsa excitedly. “How very nice ! It 
will be my first New Year’s present. Of course, dear 
boy, I shall take great care of it, and I am curious to 
know what it is. But are you not cold out there? I 
wish you would come in and rest, and let me call my 
mother, too. She would be sorry to see so young a 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


101 


child out in the lonely night and would make you rest.” 

“My youth will swiftly pass,” responded the boy; 
“and I am neither frightened, lonely nor cold. Here, 
take your gift, or my father will chide me for my long 
delay.” 

With these words, he placed a packet bound in soft 
silver wrappings and sealed with strange hieroglyphs 
into her hand. 

“Oh, thank you!” exclaimed Elsa in gratified accents; 
“but I am so sorry you must go, and I should like to see 
your face. Won’t you raise your veil before you go?” 

The child laughed merrily. “For you I will lift my 
veil a moment, Elsa,” he said, “and you may behold 
my face for a fleeting space.” So saying, he raised the 
mysterious gray folds enshrouding him, and Elsa, in 
breathless rapture, beheld a countenance so perfect in 
its supernatural innocence and loveliness that she cried 
aloud. From the sweet, firm contour of the guileless 
face a pair of brilliant and unclouded eyes gazed into 
hers. No pain, no sorrow, no sin had ever marred the 
brightness of that angelic countenance. Only the gen- 
tle fingers of love, joy and peace had left their impress 
there. 

The boy again dropped the veil, hiding his exquisite 
and serene beauty from the enchanted girl. “I must 
go,” he said. “Some day you will see me again. And, 
O Elsa! Until that day be good, be good! For my 
sake,” he said, his voice raised like a wandering melody, 
“be good !” 

“For your sake, yes, I will try,” said Elsa, sobbing, 
she knew not why, while a strange sadness o’erspread 
her soul, as she watched the child going so gaily on 
his way with blithe, glad footsteps, until he disappeared 
among the gloomy shadows cast by the singing pines. 


102 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


Then withdrawing into her chamber, Elsa lighted a 
taper and eagerly examined her packet. The strange 
characters with which it was sealed conveyed no mean- 
ing to her whatever; so half-reluctantly she broke them, 
and with fingers which excitement and pleasurable an- 
ticipation rendered tremulous she tore off the many 
folds of silver wrappings, disclosing to her astonished 
gaze a skein of soft white wool. 

For a few moments disappointment and chagrin 
reigned supreme in Elsa’s heart. Then, recovering her- 
self, she took up the skein of wool and began to ex- 
amine it. 

In texture it was, perhaps, finer and softer than any 
she had before handled. Otherwise, excepting for its 
marvelous whiteness, it was no different to the hun- 
dreds of skeins that Elsa’s busy fingers had worked up. 

“Ah, well!” she exclaimed in softened tones, as the 
memory of the boy’s beautiful, innocent face returned 
to her, “perhaps it was the only thing he possessed, and 
that is why he thought so much of it. Well, anyhow, 
I will take great care of it; and when I use it, it shall 
be to make something very beautiful.” 

So carefully she took it and placed it in the blue- 
padded drawer of her little cabinet, which she locked 
carefully. Then extinguishing the taper, she returned 
to her bed and fell asleep. 

The morning brought the beginning of Elsa’s sorrow. 
The gentle mother, loving and tender confidant of all 
Elsa’s moods, was taken seriously ill, and after a short 
time died, leaving the fifteen-year-old girl to be the sole 
comfort and solace of her father, and take a mother’s 
place to the three younger children. 

Thus it was that Elsa was forced by circumstances 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


103 


to use the energies which had until now been lying dor- 
mant within her. 

Oftentimes, weary and disheartened, she would have 
murmured and lamented at the daily round of arduous 
duties, so heavy for the shoulders of a young girl; or 
pined and grieved for the many pleasures she must now 
forego, had not the memory of that New Year’s child’s 
guileless face peered from the shadows, and the echoing 
melody of his voice whispered again: “Be good, Elsa; 
for my sake be good.” 

So, as days and weeks and months passed on, Elsa 
lived in that memory. For its sake she smiled when 
weary; for its sake she sang and played to her sad and 
toil-worn father when she would have preferred to creep 
to the loneliness of her little low-windowed cham- 
ber and spent the time in vain beseeching grief and 
lamentation. For its sake she soothed and tended her 
young brothers and sister, mended their toys, joined in 
their mirth, wiped their tears, and sympathized in their 
little woes and sorrows. For its sake would she give 
up her much-needed recreation to listen to and console 
some mourner; or forego the charmed delights of a 
country ramble to sit by the bedsides of weary suffer- 
ers and by her very presence charm their pain away. 
Thus, although she knew it not, Elsa became a neces- 
sity to all around her. At home and abroad, all who 
knew misfortune, sorrow, pain or woe sought Elsa, who 
with charmed fingers, smile and voice, relieved, com- 
forted, soothed and allayed. 

In the midst of so busy and useful a life Elsa gave no 
second thought to the gift the boy had given her. His 
beautiful countenance and words “Be good” were the 
only memories of his visit which remained with her. 


104 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


The last day of the year had passed and midnight was 
drawing nigh. Elsa, restless and oppressed, felt she 
could not seek her bed. Instead she went to the win- 
dow, opened the casement and leaned out into the brood- 
ing silence of the night. No sound broke the stillness 
except the melancholy mourning of a distant owl and 
the old melodies of soughing wind in the pines. The 
moon rode stately and dignified as of old across the 
boundless expanse of sky, silvering the earth with soft, 
clear radiance ere the fog-queen let down her veil. 

Up through the valley leading from the gloom of the 
pine forests, clear in the moonbeam’s rays, Elsa be- 
held a figure making its weary and lonely way. The 
moonlight was so clear and bright that she could discern 
the figure quite clearly as that of an old man. He looked 
so cold, so stumbling, so weary and feeble, so heavily 
burdened, that Elsa’s kind heart ached for him, and 
she fain would have hastened to meet and help him with 
the heavy load bound to his drooping shoulders, and 
which seemed to bow him to the earth. 

As he came nearer, however, Elsa fancied she could 
perceive dark, shadowy forms following the unfortunate 
creature, while sudden bursts of shrill mocking laugh- 
ter and volleys of heartless taunts and gibing jeers 
seemed to goad the feeble old man into making one last 
supreme effort. Bracing himself, he pushed forward 
wtih all his strength, even as a fluttering candle shoots 
upward in a mighty flame and then expires. He reached 
Elsa’s window, and weary, panting and exhausted, 
leaned against it for support. 

“Poor old man!” cried Elsa in concerned accents. 
“How come you out alone in the night, and so heavily 
burdened ?” 

“Hush!” gasped the old man. “I am dying.” 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


105 


Elsa hastened and fetched a glass of water and held 
it to the old man’s lips. The moon shone full and un- 
pityingly upon his face and Elsa shuddered as she gazed, 
for never before had she beheld so awful and de- 
spairing a countenance. Wizened and haggard, seamed 
with care, lined with sorrow, scarred with pain, worn 
with tears, marred with sin, it presented the most terri- 
ble combination of all earth’s woes. 

“Poor, poor old man !” she exclaimed compassion- 
ately. “What can I do for you?” 

“Hush!” he reiterated. “I am dying.” 

Then for the first time Elsa noticed by his side an- 
other figure. Majestic and hoary, the newcomer reared 
his haughty head and gazed scornfully at the groveling, 
gasping figure before him. 

Again a great wave of pity and compassion for the 
forlorn and helpless old man passed over her. 

“What are you going to do with him?” she asked fear- 
lessly of the relentless and haughty figure. 

“Do you not see?” was the cold and remorseless re- 
ply. “I shall cut him down and he will be seen no more. 
It is well ! for he is perfectly useless and worn-out. He 
is needed no more.” 

Then Elsa saw that the speaker bore a large scythe in 
one hand and in the other a glass containing swiftly 
running sands; and with awe she recognized that she 
was in the presence of Time — that great and formidable 
king who rules the earth with iron hand and fleeting 
foot. 

At the words of Time the poor old man raised his 
trembling hand, and in faltering accents said: “Elsa, 
what have you done with the skein of white wool I gave 
you a year ago?” 


106 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


“A skein — of — white wool — you gave me ?” cried Elsa, 
aghast. 

“Aye! You know me not, I see,” sighed the old man. 
“Yet, Elsa, I was that fair child who spake to thee a 
year ago so blithely in this same spot. Oh, hasten, I 
pray! See, Time takes up his sickle to annihilate me. 
Say, Elsa, what have you done with the skein of white 
wool ?” 

“It is still in my drawer,” she replied, dismayed at the 
old man’s words. “I will fetch it and show you,” she 
added hastily, noting Time’s grip on his sickle and the 
harsh, unmerciful glance he bestowed on the unhappy 
old man. 

“Ah, woe is me! Haven’t you then used it?” sighed 
the latter in the heartrending accents of one whose last 
hope has been shattered. “Alas ! It means another 
burden on my back.” 

Elsa hurriedly returned. “I’m so sorry!” she said. 
“I cannot understand it at all. It is not where I placed 
it. Where can it be?” 

“Where can what be?” cried a voice in clear and 
silvery accents. 

At the sweet and unexpected sound Elsa, Time and 
the old man alike started and turned around. Standing 
near was the figure of a queenly woman, clothed in a 
garment of unblemished white. On her regal head was 
a crown of white lilies. Her face was serene and pure 
as the evening star ; her eyes were calm and shining with 
celestial light. Near her stood a group of white- 
garbed maidens, each crowned with lilies and gleaming 
with a soft and penetrating radiance. 

The beautiful stranger again repeated her question. 
“Where can what be?” she inquired in dulcet accents. 

“The skein of white wool,” faltered Elsa. 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


107 


Whereupon the lady and all the lovely maidens burst 
into a strain of singularly sweet laughter. 

“But it is here!” said the lady. “Behold us! You 
have, my dearest Elsa, created us from your skein of 
white wool. My name is Mercy, and I live enshrined 
in Eternity. Behold my sisters, Peace, Charity, Kind- 
ness, Mildness, and all these others. All have been 
woven from your skein of white wool, and we wait to 
meet you when your sojourn upon the earth is over.” 

Elsa, pale and trembling with the holiest and most 
sublime emotion she had ever experienced, had not taken 
her eyes off the speaker, but at the concluding words, a 
great unearthly cry made her turn her head. 

The old man had raised himself from the earth 
and stood straight and erect. The heavy burdens had 
fallen from his shoulders, where the long gray locks 
now hung free and untrammelled. A marvelous 
change was in his face. It seemed as if some great 
power had taken a sponge and with it wiped away the 
seams of woe and lines of sin and care. An ex- 
ulting gladness shone from the deep-glowing eyes, and 
the whole countenance was that of a great general who 
had passed through a long and weary combat and come 
forth at last victorious. 

“Oh, beautiful beings !” he cried, “I live ! I no longer 
die ! Thou hast given to me a place in Eternity !” 

Then Elsa, turning, noted that Time no longer scowled 
with frowning brow upon the figure of the old man. 

Instead, a benign expression reigned on his austere 
face, and he bent forward and clasped the old man to his 
breast. 

“My son,” he said in tender accents, “since thou hast 
had such beings as these created during thy short ca- 


108 


SKEIN OF WHITE WOOL 


reer, thou art worthy to be called my son. Thou shalt 
live forever!” 

Then the old man again gave that glad unearthly cry ; 
the beautiful maidens hovered round him. Time spread 
out his great and powerful pinions. Over the dull pur- 
ple caps of the mountains the heavens suddenly opened 
with a burst of blown-gold flame, sending scintillations 
of blazing light down to the earth, in the midst of which 
Time and the beauteous maidens, guiding the feeble 
steps of the old man, disappeared. A soft nimbus of 
light gleamed radiantly over the rugged cap of the hoary 
mountain, spreading gently till it reached its base. The 
passing bell from the distant steeple tolled a dismal 
knell. From the nimbus of light a gray winding stair- 
case appeared. A small, blithe child hastened with 
fleet, glad footsteps downward. The voices of many 
bells suddenly clanged forth in joyous cadence. A New 
Year was again born. 







































































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